Soviet Foreign Policy - Pt. 2 (con't)

Author: Linda DeLaine
Website: RL Online
Department:
Page: 2   ( 4) pages

The official relationship between Soviet Russia and Germany started on March 3, 1918, with the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. The treaty was not a popular one among most Soviets and Lenin was criticized for signing it. However, at the time some sort of a pact was needed.

The result was the formation of German-Soviet businesses for the purpose of developing industry in Soviet Russia. Both Germany and Russia fully believed that together they could regain land lost to Poland. This goal became a priority for the German military where Department R was established to operate in conjunction with the Soviet military in this effort.

Soviet Russia and Germany attended the Conference of Genoa which began on April 10, 1922. Thirty-four nations were in attendance. The purpose was the rebuilding of European business and economy. It was the first such meeting since WWI where Germany and Soviet Russia were invited.

Representatives of every nation, except the U.S., which held tsarist debt demanded payment and the return of property. Soviet Russia did not consider itself liable for foreign debts acquired by the tsars but was willing to discuss the issue at Genoa. The Soviet representative, Georgi Chicherin, offered to trade the tsarist debt for renumeration for damage done by the Allies who chose to involve themselves in Russian affairs directly following the revolution. Chicherin also asked for considerable financial assistance in the form of credit for the Soviet government. The British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, attempted to negoiate credits for the Soviet Union and loans to assist the Soviet economy. Chicherin turned down George's proposals because the conditions included repayment of tsarist debts. The proposal also demanded that the Soviets secure the loans with Soviet property which would, in effect, be under the jurisdiction of the Western lender(s) until the debt was completely repaid. Russia has always feared a strong Western presence established along its western border. The idea of Western lenders holding Russian property at bay was unacceptable. The Genoa Conference ended on May 19 with no agreement reached between Soviet Russia and the West. Instead, the Soviets entered into yet another treaty with Germany.

The Treaty of Rapallo was created by Walter Rathenau (Germany) and G. V. Chicherin (Soviet Russia) during, but independent of, the Genoa Conference. In this treaty, Germany and Soviet Russia wiped out all debts accrued against each other including the tsarist debts. Germany was given most-favored-nation status which meant considerable trade concessions. Germany agreed to manufacture arms for the Soviets. Something not allowed by the Treaty of Versailles.

Following the Genoa Conference and untill 1933, Germany and Soviet Russia became increasingly involved with each other. On the military scene, German pilots were trained in Russia. These pilots would later become part of Hitler's Luftwaffe. The Germans and Soviets conducted joint tank and gas warfare experiments and built prototypes for submarines and fighter aircraft. By training in the Soviet Union and collaborating with the Soviets on arms development, Germany was able to maneuver around the fifth part of the Treaty of Versailles. The mandate of this section of the treaty was simply, The German military forces shall be demobilised and reduced as prescribed hereinafter.

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Enemy at the Gates

Russia at War: 1941-1945

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