SHARP MEASURES

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 August 1930, Page 10

SHARP MEASURES

AGAINST FORMER PREMIER

LONDON. July 25

Because it was felt that his presence was a menace to the public order, Lithuania has expelled M. Valdemaras, a former Prime Minister. Motor lorries removed his belongings from his fiat at Eouno, and it will be sealed up during his absence. M. Valdemaras was .the “enfant terrible” of the League of Nations. He recently narrowly escaped assassination when a hand grenade thrown by a student killed his stepson and aide-de-camp. M. Valdemaras’ place of exile, will be an estate at Krottingen, which is administered by the Government. His wife accompanies him. The Lithuanian Government regards him as mentally affected. A number of adherents have also been arrested and interned.

M. Valdemara’s followers are stated to number 20,000, consisting largely of armed members of organisations known as “Ironwolf” and “Riflemen’s League.” Rumours that these bodies contemplated a rising have been persistent lately.

ATTEMPTED RESCUE FAILS

LONDON, July 27

The correspondent of the British United Press at. Kovno says that § cool, unflinching guard frustrated an attempt to liberate M. Valdemaras, ex-Premier of Lithuania, who is exiled in the village of Plateliai. Two of M. Valdemaras’ followers were permitted to visit him under the escort of a solitary guard, who was amazed to see the trio try to enter a motor car. The guard intervened, and M. Valdemaras produced a revolver and ordered him to retreat 100 paces. The guard did not. obey, but retorted: “You enter that cur and I’ll riddle the tyres.” M. Valdeinaras capitulated, and brought upon himself a doubled guard, and also a ban on visitors.