SOVIET POLICY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20719, 1 February 1939, Page 7

SOVIET POLICY

OBJECTIVE DEFINED THIRD FIVE-YEAR PLAN ECLIPSE CAPITALISTS (United Press Assn.—Eiec. Tel. Copyright) MOSCOW, Jan. 31 The Soviet's third five-year plan, which was begun in 1937, the details of which have been released for the first lime, demands that national production shall reach £7,200,000,000 by 1942. This represents an increase of 88 per cent over 1937. The plan aims to "catch up and surpass economically the most advanced capitalist countries.” It is declared that the main object of the second five-year plan was achieved, namely, the technical reconstruction of the nation's economy. Russia industrially is second only to the United States, having produced 80 per cent of the required equipment in 1937. Capital investment under the present plan will absorb £4,480,000,000, and the production of consumers’ goods to £720,000,000. It is aimed to reduce the cost of production 11 per cent, double the volume of consumers’ goods and raise workers to the cultural and economic level of engineers. The plan embodies special efforts to increase Russia’s ability to carry on a prolonged war. Tens of thousands of small factories are being built to replace the mass production method. Local food and raw material resources are being developed to the utmost. An oil base is being prepared between the Ural Mountains and the Volga River, where it will be less vulnerable to attack than Baku, on the Caspian Sea.

Oil and coal resources are ensured for the Eastern Army. Thousands of miles of railway are being built, and 5000 miles of existing lines are being double-tracked. A total of 130,000 miles of roads will be built or reconstructed by 1942. Warehouse accommodation is being provided for 10,000,000 tons of food. JAPAN’S RESPONSE FOR NATIONAL DEFENCE ENHANCED WOOL PRODUCTION v United press Assn. —Eire. Te!. Copyrighti TOKIO, Jan. 31 The president of the Government’s Planning Board, Mr Aoki, told the Japanese Diet that the four-year plan 1938-41 would expand the production of Japan, Manuchukuo and North China. It was designed to ensure Japan’s national defence by enhancing her economic strength and attaining self-sufficiency in 15 key materials, including wool.