The Far Eastern Fisheries The long continued dispute between Japan
and the Soviet Union has once again been settled by a compromise, which may prove to be only temporary. By the agreement signed in Moscow on Sunday, the U.S.S.R. grants Japan the renewal of about three-quarters of her previous leases, at a substan- tially increased rent ; 37 leases have been withdrawn from auction for strategic reasons, and only so new lots offered in compensation. The settlement should be accepted with relief in the West. The dispute had reached a stage when, if it had continued, serious incidents might have been un- avoidable ; there have already been reports that Japan had sent gunboats to the Soviets' Far Eastern waters. An increase in the tension between the two countries might have caused an important diversion of Russia's forces and atten- tion to the Far East, and could only have increased the reserve she has shown in the diplomatic negotiations that are now proceeding in Europe. The pressure of the Asiatic extension of the Axis is an important factor in Russia's attitude towards incurring increased obligations in the West ; for if Germany fears the war on two fronts, so also does the Soviet Union, which is perhaps even more an Asiatic than a European Power. * *
Previous page
