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NO STARVATION—M.
HERRIOT'S IMPRESSIONS
We commented in the last issue of this bulletin on the
recent journey of M. Herriot in the U.S.S.R. The impression made by his
journey on the French ex-Premier, who is not only powerful in the
councils of the French Government Party, but is well known as a
practical man of affairs and Mayor for many years of the industrial town
of Lyon, are particularly interesting. We therefore give below a
translation of the speech (in so far as it referred to Russia) made by
M. Herriot. on his return to France, in full as it appeared in the
French Press, September 14, 1933 :—
A Fever for Knowledge
" I found in Russia an extraordinary fever for knowledge.
This is one of the manifestations of the splendid results obtained in
all spheres and more particularly in the sphere of education and of
industrial development.
" We visited the famous Dnieper dam and the gigantic
works erected there. It is the second most powerful electrical station
in the world and I know that the Americans have praised it very highly."
Municipal Progress
" I also visited numerous towns in which remarkable
municipal work has been attained. Kharkov, in particular, is one of the
most beautiful towns I have ever seen. I could admire there the wide
avenues and squares along which modern buildings have been erected very
finely adapted to the purpose for which they have been constructed. This
is, indeed, a model town."
Food Difficulties
"'But,* interrupted someone, * has not the U.S.S.R. to
overcome very serious food difficulties? ' ' No,' answered M. Herriot. '
It is necessary to guard against hasty interpretations. Let me give one
example ; I saw women waiting in a queue in order to purchase petrol. I
asked how could this be reconciled with the huge output of oil in
Russia. They replied that the harvest being particularly rich this year,
very large quantities of petrol were required for agricultural
machinery. For the rest, a large quantity has been exported in
accordance with the general plan in order to provide the foreign
currency which the U.S.S.R, requires."
Increased Consumption
" The consumption of various products, particularly of milk, is
increasing rapidly.
" As for the Ukraine, of which we sometimes hear—it is a Beauce [one of
the rich French grain producing areas].
" At my request I was taken to a village which had been described as
suffering great scarcity. Actually, I saw there gardens and orchards, I
saw the harvesting being done by machinery driven by electricity. I saw
a hard working population, but by no means poverty stricken ; I saw
fine, healthy children.
" No, all these problems have been regarded with too much passion on
both sides, but if one makes one's observations calmly and impartially
one cannot but affirm that Russia is tending to become a Power of a
strength equal to the U.S.A."
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