SPY INQUIRY DEBATE

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27794, 20 October 1955, Page 13

SPY INQUIRY DEBATE

Molotov’s Views

Quoted

(Rec. 11.45 p.m.) CANBERRA, Ort. 18. The Soviet Foreign Minister. Mr Molotov, had branded the Petrov documents as a “falsification," the Opposition Leader (Dr. H. V. Evatt) told the House ot Representatives

tonight. Dr. Evatt opened a debate on the report of the Royal Commission into Espionage, which was set up after the defection of Vladimir Petrov to Australia. He said the Russians were the only ones who could confirm or deny the validity of the documents. He had communicated with Mr Molotov, who replied that the documents must have been “fabricated” under Instructions from persons interested in the deterioration of Soviet-Australian relations.

The only result of the commission had been that two foreigners—the

Petrovs—and one foreign-born spy— Dr. Michael Bialoguskl—had made a lot of money, Australia had lost substantial overseas trade, and there had been an attempt to smear many people, Dr. Evatt said. A handwriting expert had branded the G series of documents as a forgery. He said the Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) had announced the whole affair on the last sitting dav of the Australian Parliament before the 1954 elections to win the elections. Dr. Evatt was jeered by members ct the Anti-Communist Labour Party and his references to his correspondence with Moscow about the authenticity of the documents brought laughter from them. The deputy-leader of the Anticommunist Labour Party (Mr S'. M. Keon) asked if the letter from Mr Molotov started “Dear boss.” The Speaker called for order frequently as at times interjections drowned Dr. Evatt’s voice. Rebuff far Evatt The Federal Labour caucus made it clear to Dr. Evatt today that he would be speaking for himself, not the Labour Party, durin- the debate on the Petrov report. The decision is regarded as a rebuff by the caucus to its leader. The caucus agreed that members should be free to express their own opinions on the report. The decision followed a clash between Dr. Evatt and Senator J. Harris (Western Australia), who criticised Dr. Evatt for going on with the Petrov controversy. He claimed it was now a dead issue and said it would be in the interests of the Labour Party and party unity if Dr. Evatt remained quiet. The Cabinet rejected a proposal that Dr. Evatt be given unlimited time to speak in the debate, but he was given two hours. Under standing orders, Dr. Evatt normally is entitled to 30 minutes. The 90 minutes extra is equivalent to six extensions. The Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) will speak in the debate next Tuesday.