Stranica 2 [2]
OCR
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 instance, 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 Sovial 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.
