BRITAIN'S ULTIMATUM.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 110, 10 May 1923, Page 5

BRITAIN'S ULTIMATUM.

STRONG NOTE TO RUSSIA. ANTI-BRITISH PROPAGANDA. CESSATION AND APOLOGY. BREAKING OFF RELATIONS. (By Cable. —Prese Association.—CopyrlghU (Becelred 10 a.m.) LONDON, May 9. . The text has been Issued of the British Note, which was sent to Russia by an aeroplane. The Note gives the Soviet ten days in which to comply with its requests, otherwise Britain will recogniee that the Soviet does not wish exist- • ing relations to bo maintained. The Note demands an apology for and the cessation of the Soviet's anti-British propaganda and hostile action, particularly in the East, and the recall of officials responsible for this. It also demands the Soviet's admission of liability for and an undertaking to pay compensation in cases where British subjects were maltreated in Russia and British ships have been seized. It also demands the unequivocal withdrawal of the offensive reply to British representations regarding the ZepilakBudkevitch Note, and states that though Britain scrupulously observed the article in the trade agreement promising to refrain from any hostile act, the Soviet had flagrantly violated the same. The , Note, in citing outrages against Britishers, mentions the murder of Mr. Davison in January, 1020 and the arrest and imprisonment on a false charge of Mrs. Stan Harding, a journalist. Compensation is demanded for loss of the trawler Magneta and the seizures of the , St. Hubert anil James Johnson, and also an assurance that British trawlers will not further be interfered with outside the three-mile limit. Referring to Russia's reply to the British representations on behalf of the archbishops,, the Note says that it seems difficult to arrive at any other conclusion than that the Soviet is either convinced that Britain will accept any insult. sooner than break with the Soviet, or that the Soviet desires to terminate the relations created by the trade agreement.— (A. and N. 2. Cable.) AN INCIDENT IN MOSCOW. BRITISH DIPLOMAT WOUNDED. (Reecived 1.30 p.m.) MOSCOW, May 9. The Russian Telegraph Agency states that while militia were following a gang of burglars at Moscow one of the criminals jumped on a motor car belonging to the British Trade Commissioner, forced the chauffeur to drive on, the criminal meanwhile firing on ins pursuers. In the exchange of shots, Mr. Sloggett, a member or ilie British Commission was woundea and was taken to the, hospital. The criminal, was also mortally wounded. The Russian Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed to the British Mission its txtreme regret.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)