Stranica 2 [2]
Bis fae hoor.
x
which the Finns had not only to build the factories, but also
to import the raw materials from the West, especially the United
states, Tt is henee noteworthy that the USA too were part in
the payment of reparations to the US&R, in materials which for
the most part are being used at present for the build-up of the
Red Armye
Now with the endof the reparations, new dengers are
Looming on the horizon for the tiny four million people counyry,
dancers which will gradually develop during the year to comes
As we already said before, the Russian reparations demands were
made mostly for goods which Finland not usually produces. So the
country had to build large new plants. The result is for in¬
stance, that the capacity of the mechinebuilding industry was
doubled, while the capacity of shipyards rose fivefolds. Many
new jobs had to be created end people brought up from agricul
ture or taken from the refugee settlements, whoss future Life
depends on the continvation of the production of these new plant
Under the strain and stress of the reparations efforts, prices
and wages have soared in the country to such a degree, that it
seems extremely hard to form competition on thet basis on the
world markets, especially since both plants and docks were bu ilt
to suit Soviet specifications. Hence, to a large degree, the
continuetion of operations of these plants will depend on how
¬
a global sum of 250 million Dollars. But such an agreement would
by no means prov ide for the needs of the expanded facilities
Henee the position of the USSR is very strong indeed, It is up
to Russia to decide whether Finland should have mass unemplo
or not. It is up to them to dictate the prices of the goods to
be furnished. And it is up to the USSR to distate the political
conditions for the future exchaugese
This very greve threat is vi wed with much concern by
the Fimish Governement. There is no doubt, that they are going
to face many threats that will develop in the domestic foeld,
which will tax very heavily the ability of Dr. Kekkonen, the
dine and diplomatic Premier of the countr ye
The first of these treats lies ín the explosive Sovi¬
al situation of the country. Nerves are frayed and the pent-up
resentments are not unlikely to bring about explosive results.
Tt should also not be forgotten, that, astonishing as it may
gound, the Communist influence in the Finnish Trade Unions is
very great indeed. Social disorders, as for instance the grave
woodworkers strike of 1949, have a tendency to become violent
and bitter. If mass unemployment should result from the lay off
both in machine ijdustry and shipbuilding, there will be grave
social disorders. Strikes are not unlikely already in the near
future, and they are dangerous in the precarious position of the
country.