"INVITED" TO RETURN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 153, 10 April 1930, Page 5

"INVITED" TO RETURN

RUSSIANS IN BRITAIN. AN OFFICIAL EXPLANATION. AUTHORITY OVER OFFICIALS.

(United Press Association—Copyright.)

LONDON, AprH 9. v The Soviet Consul-General in London issued an official explanation of the receipt by certain Russians at present in England of a letter from the Con-sul-General in London inviting them to return to Russia within seven days, failing which they will become liable, under a decree, to be outlawed, and their property confiscated and to be executed by shooting 24 hours after identification. The Consul-General declared that those not complying are well aware that they are liable to execution by shooting or deprivation of their citizens' rights, including the confiscation of property. . . The Russians concerned, consisting of about 10, who were employed in the Soviet trade delegation as technical workers and office assistants, were recently ordered to transfer to Moscow, and thev had been reminded of the penalty. 'lt was within the right of the Consul to order officials sent to England by the Government to proceed home when their presence here was considered"no longer necessary. r The people concerned had an opportunity to explain why they had not complied, but did not avail themselves of it. The Consul-General refused to say whether some would be sentenced to death in their absence, as reported from Riga, It is understood that, in the event of non-compliance within ; a fixed period, the Consul-General will ask the British Government to withdraw the residential permits.