DRASTIC DECREES

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 293, 6 September 1932, Page 9

DRASTIC DECREES

Russia Faces Bad Winter FOOD RATIONS HALVED Fantastic Market Prices COAL SHORTAGE THREAT (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Rec. September 5, 7.30 p.m.) London, September 5. Tlie “Daily Express” correspondent at Moscow says that the approach of the worst winter since the famine of 1922 is heralded by drastic Soviet decrees. These order a 50 per cent, reduction in the present food rations, and command factories, trusts, and other Government organisations within city districts to grow their own vegetables. Only foreign diplomatic staffs, are exempted from the rationing decree. Prices of commodities in the open markets are fantastic. Butter is 60/a pound and meat 20/- a pound. Constant desertions from the mines also threaten a coal shortage. DEATH FOR THEFT Socialised Goods London, September 4. A Moscow message states that at least fifty executions by firing squads have taken place since the enforcement of the Government decree prescribing the death penalty for thefts of socialised goods.