ECONOMIC AIMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20065, 11 October 1939, Page 5

ECONOMIC AIMS

GERMAN MISSION EXPLOITING RESOURCES LIKE NAZI COLONY DELAY IN RESULTS (Dee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Oct. 11, 9 a.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 10. Mr. G. E. R. Gedye, the Moscow correspondent of the New York Times, in a despatch yesterday stated that members of the German economic delegation admitted there was not much hope of obtaining substantial Russian aid. They added that their mission looked beyond war needs. “It is stated in Moscow that an increase of oil exports to Germany would be possible only at the expense of the third five-year plan,” continues the correspondent. “Russia more than likely will be compelled to reduce the proportion of her oil products available for export. “First grade petrol is unprocurable in Moscow since the mobilisation of the Red Army. Russia imports large quantities of first-grade aeroplane lubricating oil from the United States. Problem of Production “The mass importation of German overseers and engineers will do little to increase production, because of the incurable obstinacy of the workers towards foreign task-masters. Russia certainly would be able to supply timber, flax, cotton, and manganese, but iron ore and asbestos would be difficult to obtain. “The use of sea transport in the Black Sea from Odessa and in the Baltic from Leningrad will not obviate the necessity to use the inadequate railroads, . “The Soviet probably would be able to supply gold in great quantities if Germany is able to pay for it. “The summing up of expert neutral opinion is that if the Soviet is prepared to hand over the country for exploitation like a German-controlled colony, it might show amazing results in three or four years, but it is problematical whether Germany can extract appreciable aid within the next one or two years.”