’RED DEAN’ CLAIMS FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN RUSSIA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22883, 1 March 1949, Page 5

’RED DEAN’ CLAIMS FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN RUSSIA

“I CHOSE FREEDOM” LIBEL SUIT

(11.15 a.m.) PARIS, Feb. 28. The “Red” Dean of Canterbury, Dr, Hewlett Johnson, giving evidence in the “I Chose Freedom” libel suit, said he did not believe Victor Kravchenko’s book was substantiated by the facts which he had studied since 1917.

Dr. Johnson said there was complete freedom of religion in Russia, He added: “The clergy of Russia were free to select their officers. There was complete equality of religion. Thfere was State assistance in the material needs of the churches.” Dr. Johnson said he had had a talk with Marshal Stalin and he regarded Kravchenko’s book as a “grotesque and ridiculous caricature of Stalin.” Dr. Johnson, who was called by the defence, the Paris Communist paper (Les Lettres Francaises) said he was struck by the dignity and regular features of Stalin’s face. Questioned by Maitre Izard, Kravchenko’s counsel, as to why he had not protested against the conviction of Car. dinal Mindszenty, Dr. Johnson replied: “I dq not think that has anything to do with my visit here.” Maitre Izard then asked Dr. Johnson

about an article under his name which appeared in the British Communist newspaper Daily Worker. Dr. Johnson said: “I am proud of my relationship with the Daily Worker which is perfectly independent for I am not a member of any political party.” During his testimony Dr. Johnson spoke at length about the books he had written. He said: “I have written three books about the Soviet Union and I have studied the country since 1917. “If Kravchenko’s book is correct, then mine are incorrect. If 1 am correct, he is incorrect.” Dr. Johnson said he thought the prosecution of Mindszenty had been perfectly legal. He was certain it was false to say that the cardinal had been drugged. “When I read the Hungarian Yellow Book, my impression was that the cardinal tvas guilty,”