Timber from Russia The discussion on the importation of Russian
timber at prices said to be so low as to drive Canadian and other Empire timber out of the market has several aspects, which are better kept separate, for some of the arguments employed are as bad as some others are good. To object to the deal because it is concluded with a State monopoly is to object to any trade with Russia at all, and the tide is not flowing in that direction. To object to the price raises other issues. Russian products, such as oil or wheat, are not in a substantially different position from Argentine wheat or Rumanian oil. If the Russian product happens to be cheaper or better there is no reason against buying it, apart from considerations which the balance of direct trade between the two countries (often a fallacious index) may raise. But the contention that the Russian timber, hewn by unpaid or low-paid convict labour, is thereby enabled to take the market against Empire timber at rates which Canada cannot approach is another matter altogether. Decisive evidence as to the facts is needed, and the Government will no doubt demand it before taking action, but there is a good deal of reliable information already available. A well-established trade, particularly when it happens to be a trade in which a British Dominion figures largely, cannot be shattered by a form of competition it is impossible to recognize as equitable.
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