Russia States Her Case Before Nations at Geneva

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 39, 9 May 1927, Page 12

Russia States Her Case Before Nations at Geneva

ABANDONED REVOLUTION Soviet Russia’s defence of her Socialist system has been officially stated and listened to by the nations of the world. At the International Economic Conference, held at Geneva, under the allspices of the League of Nations, delegates from Moscow extolled the system under which Russia is being run, but indicated that they desired a resumption of normal relations with capitalistic countries, indicating that their aim of world revolution was being abandoned.

By Cable:—Press Association.—Copyright Reed. 9.15 a.m. GENEVA, Sunday. At the International Economic Con- „ . j _ ~ _ ference the Soviet spokesman, M. Sokolnikoff, made a lengthy exposition of Russia’s internal economic situation purporting to show an improve- , . . A . , ment in the agricultural and industrial conditions.

The crux of the speech consisted of a declaration that the Soviet is ready to co-operate with capitalistic countries whose better comprehension of the Soviet system would conduce to world peace.

The Soviet’s policy, he said, was the encouragement of productive investments. Alluding to reconstruction he said that the task was difficult, but success was assured. Russia, with 20,000,001) peasant proprietors, could develop without capitalistic countries’ help. Nevertheless, both could exist in collaboration.

Another Soviet delegate, M. Ossinski, urged that the Bolshevist system was a panacea for all the world’s economic ills. He recommended the cancellation of all war-debts, increased wages for all industrial workers, the introduction of the eighthours’ day for all workers, except miners, whose hours should be six, the fullest liberty for trade unions, real measures of unemployment relief, and reform of the taxation system. M. Ossinski further proposed the decrease of expenditure on armaments, the abolition of all barriers against emigration, cancellation of the systems of protectorates and mandates, suspension of all measures of economic boycott,' and restoration of relations with the Soviet. He urged that Russia should be enabled to obtain the credits necessary for the country’s development in return for concessions granted foreign capitalists. M. Ossinski demanded the withdrawal of troops from all colonies, the entire abolition of standing armies and navies, the abandonment of attempts to destroy institutions indissolubly linked with the Socialist system, especially the Soviet monopoly of foreign trade.

M. Johaux, France, commenting, said that the Soviet speeches meant that the Soviet had abandoned its revolutionary policy. Therefore co-opera-tion with Russia was rendered possible.

Interest in the Soviet delegates’ appearance was so keen that many delegates clamoured for the use of a rostrum to enable them to hear all the speeches.—A. and N.Z.-Sun.