Page:The Russian Review Volume 1.djvu/229

Rh direction is a necessary factor in military preparedness, as the present War has so well demonstrated. It seems to me that conditions have never been so ripe as at the present time for the formation of an anti-German economic coalition upon the basis outlined above. Russia's allies, as well as the neutral countries which are amicable to the Entente powers, realize the necessity of an energetic economic struggle against Germany's policy of forcing her cheap exports upon other countries. Thus it seems that Russia's initiative in this matter ought to meet with a cordial reception in the countries allied with her or amicable to her in the present struggle.

The question of Russia's becoming an economic colony of some other power, so often urged by Russian ultra-protectionists, is scarcely worth discussing, for the question that will stand before- Russia after this War is over, will not be that of becoming anybody's colony, but of gradually becoming a part of the world's stream of trade, of developing her own productive forces, and thus assuming on the world market a position befitting a first-class power.

Those who desire lasting peace, which alone can afford Russia an opportunity of developing her productive forces, and of increasing her economic might and making her better prepared from a military point of view, must do everything in their power to bring about a strong economic alliance between Russia and those countries which, like her, are opposed to Germany's economic policies. At this time it is well to keep in mind the old truth that political friendship is based very largely on comunitycommunity [sic] of economic interests.