RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 March 1943, Page 4

RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

MEETING OF MASTERTON SOCIETY. t FORMATION OF STUDY GROUPS. The usual monthly meeting of the Society for Closer Relations with Russia was held in the Y.M.C.A. Rooms last night, Mr E. Esler presiding. Mr Esler reported that the following cablegram had been sent to Moscow on the 25th anniversary of the Red Army: “M. Stalin, Premier, Moscow.—Citizens of Masterton, assembled on anniversary of the Red Army Day, record their admiration of the Red Army and Navy. We pay tribute to the heroic people of the -Soviet Union. As the Red Army advances we look with confidence to the total defeat of the Nazi hordes and the liberation of your great country.” The New Zealand representative of the society in Russia, Mr John Fisher, has reported that the New Zealand cables of congratulation were featured in the Moscow.press and aroused great interest. Members discussed the question of the exchange of diplomatic representatives between New Zealand and the U.S.S.R., which was felt by all to be desirable. The president drew. the. attention of members to Article 10 of the Soviet Constitution, which says: “The rights of citizens to personal ownership of their incomes from work and of their savings, of their dwelling houses and subsidiary household economy, their household furniture and utensils and articles of personal use and convenience, as well as the right of inheritance of .personal property of citizens, is protected by law.” It was decided to form study groups, to make an attempt to survey impartially the developments in the U.S.S.R., which has now been thrown so closely into relationship with the democracies. Interested members are asked to communicate with Miss J. Rayne.