N.Z. And Russia

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 23, 20 February 1948, Page 4

N.Z. And Russia

Closer Trade Relations Urged To Save Dollars The New Zealand Society for Closer Relations with the U.S.S.R. has issued the following statement of its viewpoint in connection with the N.Z. Legation to Moscow, and on New Zealand’s international policy:— “Mr Boswell, Minister to Moscow, has been back in New Zealand for some time, and there is a most disturbing rumour that the New Zealand Legation is to be closed, and Mr Boswell will not be returning to Moscow. “The Soviet Union is playing an increasingly important role in the Pacific, and this is of particular moment to us, since we are deeply interested in 'the achievement of concord in the Pacific. This country has the opportunity to contribute to international harmony, by retaining the Moscow Legation, and by developing closer economic and cultural relations with the U.S.S.R. “The supply of New Zealand’s material needs is bound closely with this question of our international policy. We will be able to expand our own economy if we avail ourselves of the new resources in the trade of the Pacific, apart from the dollar area, which is apparently closed to us. The U.S.S.R., in particular, is a non-dollar source of goods, and trade with the U.S.S.R. could be a means of assisting Great Britain in her sterling difficulties. “Some facts have come to our notice, and should be made public. The Razno Export organisation in Moscow, for example, is now advertising for export the following: Animal raw materials, such as horsehair, hides and leather; minerals, such as rock salt, table salt, gypsum, and (let it be noted) cement; matches; essential oils; handwoven rugs; and articles relating to Arts and Handicrafts —embroidery, lace, papier-mache work, and similar goods. In addition, it advertises Varieties of medicines and medicinal raw materials. The Soviet Union is also exporting timber and woodpulp, and we could assist in relieving the paper shortage by utilising . these supplies. There is also an organisation known as Inreklama Advertising Service in Moscow which is arranging for English-language advertisements to be translated and placed in Soviet trade and technical journals. “The Soviet Union is even now buying our wool, and Soviet shipping could «be placed on this route. There i's also a very wide field in development of such things as pa-, tents held in the two countries, exchange of scientific and technical in 7 formation, and cultural exchanges, such as tours of parties of performers, loans of art exhibitions, exchanges of athletic teams, sporting events, and similar possibilities.

“Planning in the U.S.S.R. is making such advances that we in New Zealand should not be cut off from contact with such an important country. This Society believes that it is In the interests of the New Zealand people that closer relations should be fostered between our country and the U.S.S.R. A true and lasting peace for the world must include agreement and understanding with the Soviet Union. The New Zealand Legation in Moscow should have worked to this end, and we hope that the New Zealand Government will continue the work of the Legation and make a public statement on its policy in this most important matter.”