Page:The Russian Review Volume 1.djvu/222

196 Finally, long before the War, in a report presented by me on December 10, 1912, before a commission of the Ministry of Finance, which was studying the question of a new Russian-German commercial treaty, I pointed out the possibility of serious complications with Germany and the danger to which such complications might subject the prestige of Russia, which was rapidly becoming transformed into an economic colony of Germany.

The War, which came upon us like a tempest, has shown the correctness of my prognosis concerning the precariousness of the traditional friendship between Germany and Russia, and the necessity of a close economic rapprochement between Russia on one side, and, on the other, England, France, Belgium, Holland, Scandinavia, Italy, and other countries. As if by magic, Russia has become freed from her long-standing illusions; she is now face to face with such a new set of world problems that even those who, two years ago, were inclined to deride my fears concerning the role that Germany was playing in our commercial situation, are now enthusiastic in declaring the need of our rapid emancipation from the German domination.

In the course of the past few months, the question of bringing about closer commercial relations between Russia and her present allies, assumed a new form. It has been proposed to call together in Paris two special conferences. The first is to consist of representatives of the Entente powers, while the other, of representatives of the legislative bodies of the allied countries. These conferences, especially the second one, are called together primarily for the purpose of discussing the measures that would facilitate mutual commercial relations among the allied powers, at the same time making it impossible for their markets to be again flooded by German goods.

The reactionary circles of Russia, as well as a large number of Russian manufacturers interested in preserving the present high import tariff, which often proves to be prohibitive for Russia's present allies, as well as for the neutral countries, are not in sympathy with these efforts. In view of the open as well as secret opposition exerted by these circles, the question of Russia's future economic policy acquires special significance, and is now largely discussed in the special, as well as the general,