Letters to the Editor Canadian mining expertise

I refer to your recent editorial Russians learn from us, concerning publication in that country of a Canadian book on mine management. As the U.S.S.R. marketing manager for a Canadian-based manufacturer, I find your comments somewhat naive.

Competition is bad only if you do not have good products to offer. Since Canadian mining expertise is highly regarded throughout the world, Canadians have everything to gain by publishing books on successful business management.

The mining book will be widely read within the mining community in the Soviet Union. Engineers, managers, planning people will refer to it in their papers and technical literature. Interest and enquiries will be generated. It has been my experience that if they ask for it, your chances of success in signing a contract is greatly enhanced.

The greater concern in Canadian- Soviet relations is the trade imbalance. Too much wheat going out, not enough Soviet goods coming in. Six-month figures show an over-50-to-1 rouble imbalance. They buy 50 roubles worth of Canadian goods, Canada buys one rouble from the U.S.S.R.

One of my side-line hobbies is looking for items that can be used in Canada. The pickings are pretty thin] Yet if the problem is not addressed someone will remind Canadians very dramatically someday by selling wheat to the U.S.S.R. and taking an equal value in Soviet goods and services.

It might be in the national interest to buy some heavy equipment, such as generator sets, hydro parts, trolley bus systems and like items. It can’t be all one way. Edward Byrnes VME Americas Inc. East Northport, N.Y.