ABSTRACT
The Republic of Novgorod, with Scandinavian and Hanseatic connections, had traders who penetrated northwestern Siberia in the eleventh to thirteenth centuries, but was then subdued and incorporated by Muscovy. The sovereign Republic of Novgorod, never invaded by Mongols, had also earlier extended its mercantile interests not only in Scandinavian and Hanseatic League connections but in penetration of northwestern Siberia. Siberia's capacity must be considered as part of the whole Soviet resource base, including the other CMEA countries. The resource-potential of Siberia is at present especially and predominantly in hydrocarbons. Japan, as well as China, has attempted a major and purposive link with the Soviet Union, actually involving a substantial Japanese presence in Siberia during the later 1960s through the 1970s. The Japanese, prosperous in their economic miracle and avid for opportunities anywhere in the world, were immediately affected by a 'Siberia fever' and rushed to interest themselves.
