The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER, 20,1933 RUSSIA IN THE EAST.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER, 20,1933 RUSSIA IN THE EAST.

Russia oi late has been coming more and more into the open. The exclusive policy first adopted by the Soviet is being eased up, and now aggressive agreements, have been reacted with some European Powers, particularly nearest neighbours. The wisdom of safeguarding frontiers by this means instead of armed defence and fortifica-

tions, is approved at once, particularly if there are other ambitions abroad. And Russia has important interests In the Far East which she is showing a disposition to safeguard! In Asia, trading relations have been established with Persia, Afghanistan, Mongolia and other- states bordering on China, thus securing a measure of goodwill in otherwise difficult countries. One aspect of these trading agreements is the important indication of commercialism and industrialism being manifested by Russia, thus showing the aim for opulence in trade output. There is a degree of realism about this aspect which should not be ignored. There is a big field in Asia for trade expansion, and Russia appears to be active to the possibilities. In discussing the Soviet economic policy in,the East, a writer who has studied the position, says Russia’s economic plan in Asia i.s op an immense scale, and its successful development full of significance for herself, for China, for Japan and for British and, other European exporters. Mongolia is being assimilated rapidly to the Soviet Union, as also other Eastern countries, which are being granted .favourable measures. The wpiter says: “The assimilation of the economic and political system of a de jure ■ independent neighbouring State to that of the Soviet Union is a half-way house to incorporatiin. It is an effective camouflage in cases likely 'to arouse international complications over sovereignty if territory were openly annexed. Mongolia and Tana. Tuva are being subjected to this process. The rapid growth of Soviet trade and the gradual elimination of more successful competitors in both countries seem to indicate, that it is working satisfactorily for Soviet economic interests.” All this seems to suggest that there is something beyond trading involved. Russia will build up and grow more powerful than ever. There has been ■ practically a challenge from Japan in Manchukuo, where the Japanese are showing a disposition to override Russian rights and interests. China has not been able to check Japan, but with Russia obtaining a •foothold in Mongolia, by more peaceful methods than Japan used in Manchuria Russia promises to grow into a formidable opponent for Japan—and the writer quoted above, concludes that a clash between the rival interests of the Soviet and Japan seems inevitable. This is not a singular opinion for from other sources, alarm is felt at the trend of developments. Japan for her part has been disposed of late to pursue the isolation policy—quite tbe opposite to the trend of Russian diplomacy, and it is possible if war should threaten that Japan will be less generally aggressive. It is evident + he present state of world affairs is largely a matter for bargaining whether in regard to trade or defence. Japan has been attempting to glut various foreign markets in different parts of the world, and has met with disconcerting measures of success so fairs local predicts are concerned, and these tactics have not added to the favour in which the nation is held. But negotiations are a,foot, and some easing of the position is likely. The Far East once again Ims matters of high importance to interest the world in possible developments.