REPORT ON RUSSIA

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1929, Page 5

REPORT ON RUSSIA

BY TRADE DELEGATION. [United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.] (Received this dav at 1.30 p.m.) .LONDON, October 22. The Russia report was issued by the British Trade Delegation composed of eighty-four members, representing more than 15 hundred British firms, which went to Russia in March and April. . The report says Russia potentially is very rich. Industrial reorganisation is being carried out to the limits of financial capacity. The Soviet, however, is without capital tq fully develop the enormous natural resources, and financial facilities are only obtainable on most uneconomic terms. There is, therefore, every inducement for Russia to enter into trading operations on a large scale with British firms. Reliable general information has been obtained concerning the large amount of business available for Britain. Litvinoff expressed the opinion that Anglo-Soviet political difficulties could be overcome even in Far Eastern matters, and the Russian peoples felt no animosity towards Britain. M. Litvinoff was of further opinion that means could’ be found to satisfy the British -Government’s requirements while maintaining the Soviet’s sovereitrii rights but tbe full objects of the delegation could only he obtainable if recognition were afforded, the -Russian Government. i

The, British Committee, therefore, is of the opinion that the British Government could and. should obtain _ assurances or guarantees filoni the Soviet both in regard to liquidation claims of British nationals prior to 1917 and to the cessation of hostile propaganda such as would just Tv it resuming relations. when the Soviet would be' prepared to discuss in detail, all questions of economic character, as well as questions outstanding between the two countries. The Committee is satisfied that a great .volume of business Is available to Britain . subject to diplomatic recognition, and long-term credits or otherwise.