28 SEPTEMBER 1956, Page 16

MADE IN RUSSIA

Sia,—,Your comment upon the success of the Communist countries' export programme does not surprise me.

Here in India, where formerly the only method of obtaining quality goods was to stipulate that the goods in question must be `Made in England,' this no longer applies. Since Mr. Nehru held out the hand of friendship to Bulganin and Khrushchev, we have seen a steady increase in the stocks of machinery parts bearing the stamp 'Made in Russia.'

Such things as ball-bearings are arriving in large quantities. At two-thirds to one-half of the price of their English counterparts, the quality of the work is excellent.

A well-known English tractor will be offered at three to six months' delivery, all attachments extra. Russian tractors of sound design are offered at less than one-half of the price, two weeks' delivery, attachments, spare parts, tools, etc., all included.

Some people will sneer and say 'Slave labour, abducted designers,' etc. etc. But is this so? Surely not ! Could it be merely deliberate economic loss to bring about political gain?

Or could it not be the result of efficient management, first-class raw materials, experi- enced designers and a well-disciplined labour force?

The imperative stipulation to any order may well soon become 'Made in Russia.' Could be!

—Yours faithfully, M. STIRLING Pabbojan Tea Estate, Barahapjan P.O., Upper Assam