COMMUNISTS IN CANADA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 144, 31 March 1948, Page 3

COMMUNISTS IN CANADA

Use of Diplomatic Officers

REVELATIONS BY CONSUL (N.Z.P. A.—Copyright). (Rec. 10.30) MONTREAL, Mar. 30. Dr. . Josepr Kotrly, former Czechoslovakian Consul-General in Montreal, said to-day that Russian satellite Governments in Europe were using their diplomatic offices in Canada to direct Communist forces in North America.! Dr. Kotrly, who resigned in protest against the Communist combination in Czechoslovakia, stated that his consulate was converted into a relay post for Communist literature, films and other propaganda, and lie was threatened by Canadian Communists when he opposed this policy. Dr. Kotrly said the propaganda was sent from Prague through diplomatic mail and diplomatic couriers to the Labour Progressive (Communist) Organisation in Canada. He was called on to issue Czechoslovakian passports to persons whose only recommendation was by Tim Buck, the National Labour progressive Organisation leader in Canada. A Cyprian, Slimak, a Canadian citizen, then secretary of the Communist-controlled Independent Mutual Benefit Association acted as Communist leader under direct Comfitform orders. Slimak, who is now editor of the Communist newspaper “Pravda” in his native Bratislava,wa s appointed shortly after the Gottwald Government seized control in Czechoslovakia. DEATH OP JAN MASARYK DOCUMENTARY PROOF PROMISED (Rec. 11.15 a.m.) PRAGUE, March 30. The Ministry of Information said that documentary proof concerning Jan Masaryk’s death would be provided soon. The Ministry alleged that some foreign press reports of his death bordered on “cynical ghoulishness.” .. The Fdreign Ministry announced that Czechoslovakia’s United Nations delegate would not appear before the Security Council to discuss the Chilean complaint against Czechoslovakia. The Ministry added that Czechoslovakia refused to be placed in the position of defendant, or even an alleged victim.