SOVIET AIMS IN MANCHURIA

Created: 8/26/1949

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

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SOVIET AIMS IN MANCHURIA

Soviet efforts to gain military and economic control over Manchuria have been motivated by Soviet ambitions toominant power in the Pacific and by tbeof Manchuria's strategic protecting position in relation to eastern Siberia. Overall Soviet strategy Is based upon the maintenanceeparate military establishment In the Far East which, even during World War II, was kept at full strength. Largely to provide support for this separateestablishment, Soviet leaders have given high priority to the development of tho economic self-sufficiency of the Soviet Far Eastern areas. Control over Manchuria will also shorten theladivostok railroad route by seven hundred miles and provide the USSRear-round, warm-water port for the development of naval power and commerce In the Pacific. Moreover, Manchurtan raw materials can be used to supply Industries In west Siberia and the Soviet Far East, to acquire foreign exchange, and eventually totrong economic pressure on Japan, North Korea, and China.

The USSR Is now In an excellent position to exploit Manchuria's great military and economic potential. Under the terms of the Slno-Sovlet Treaty5 (concluded with the Nationalhe USSR legally acquiredextraterritorial rights In Manchuria and jointwith China of the Changchun railway. The Chinesein publicly endorsing the special position of the USSR In Manchuria recently, hailed lt as being in the best Interests of the Chinese people androtection against "amerlcanfter the Communist capture of Pelping, the Chinese Communist Party transferred Its headquarters and top personnel from Manchuria. Although the Chineaehaveovernment In Manchuria, It Is

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subservient tohe recent coaclnatonoviel-HBOChorIan brad* agreemento facto Soviet recognition to Ike Manclturian Communist regime sad offtcfeUV?recedent for direct Scvlet-Manch'-rba relation. Presumably hi an attempt to conceal the conflict bstween the special Soviet position and Chinese sovereign rights Inthe Chinese Communists have acclaimed the pact as evidence of Soviet friendshiporerunner of Soviet assistance in mdustrialiauiR China.

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