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102 PROBLEMS CONFRONTING RUSSIA
with such requirements, just as Great Britain by herself
would not be in a position to entirely satisfy Russia’s
demands in that respect. There is room for both—Great
Britain and Germany—in Russia. The share each secures
in business transactions will depend upon individual energy
and enterprise.
The wastage of war and the destruction wrought by the
Revolution in Russia are enormous. Production is almost
at a standstill. Here again is a chance for the Briton to
assist the Russian by his superior organising power and
technical knowledge. Agricultural methods must be
improved to increase the productivity of the soil: to this
effect the Russian peasant should be provided with the
latest implements, in great quantity, which are a British
speciality. A system of irrigation, the construction of more
canals, and the deepening of existing waterways, together
with the building of a network of new railways, are badly
needed to allow of a more intense exploitation of the riches
of the soil. To this end machinery and engineering plant
must be imported from abroad. Russia’s home production
of machinery cannot possibly meet her demands. Such
harbours as Archangel or Vladivostock should be provided
with harbour works, improved shiploading appliances,
additional cranes, grain elevators, refrigerating plant for
the fishing trade, and the like. It will hardly be possible
for the Russian engineer and industrial works to cope
unaided with these requirements.
During the war the British have had the advantage of
pushing their commercial interests in Russia, and there is
reason to believe that they have availed themselves of this
advantage by opening for themselves new trade relations
to be developed at the cessation of hostilities when the
condition of transportation and exchange have become more
favourable for international trade. But there is no time
to be lost in arranging for British commercial expansion in
Russia at this present moment, thereby counteracting
German penetration which is exploiting the helplessness of
that country.
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