WARNING TO RUSSIA

Gisborne Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 9690, 11 May 1923, Page 5

WARNING TO RUSSIA

ANTI-BRITISH PROPAGANDA AND OUTRAGE.

APOLOGIES AND COMPENSATION DEMANDED.

TEN DAYS TO REPLY

(United Press Association —Copyright.) LONDON, May 9 The text has been issued of the British note, which has been sent to Russia by aeroplane. The Note gives the Soviet ten days in which to comply with its requests; otherwise Britain will recognise that the Soviet does not wish existing relations to be maintained. The Note demands an apology and cessation of the Soviet’s anti-British propaganda and hostile action, particularly in the East,, and the recall of officials responsible therefor ; also demands the Soviet’s admission ol liability for and undertaking to pay compensation in cases where British subjects have been maltreated in Russia and British ships have been seized. It also demands tlie unequivocal withdrawal of the offensive reply to British representations regarding the prosecution of the Archbishops Zeiplak and Budkeviteh. The Note states: "Though Britain has scrupulously observed the article in the trade agreement promising to refrain from any hostile act, the Soviet has flagrantly violated the same.” The Note cites outrages against Britishers. It mentions the murder of Mr. Davidson in January, 1920, and the arrest and imprisonment on a false charge of Mrs. Stan. Harding. Compensation is demanded for tlio loss of the Magneta and seizures of the St. Hubert and James Johnson ; also ail assurance that British trawlers will not further he interfered with outside the three mile limit. Referring to Russia’s reply to British representations on behalf of tlie archbishops, the Note says: “It seems difficult to arrive at any other conclusion than that the Soviet is either convinced Britain Mil 1 accept any of it, sooner than break with the Soviet, or that the Soviet desires to terminate relations created bv the trade agreement.”-—A. and N.Z.C.A. LONDON, May 8. A message from Peshawar states that the British Note despatched to Moscow contains a severe comprehensive protest against recent acts against Britishers, also against Russian propaganda. The Note maintains there has been a consistent violation of the undertakings embodied in the trade agreement.—A. and N.Z.C.A. PREPARATIONS FOR BRITISH WITHDRAWAL. NOTE MAY PROVOKE INTERNAL CONFLICT. LONDON, May 10. Lord C'urzon simultaneously with the despatch of tlie Note to Russia instructed Air. Hodgson, British agent, to return to England with the whole mission if the Soviet Government does not reply by next Thursday. -If a reply is received within that period and is clearly unsatisfactory the mission must leave Russia immediately. The Aborning Post says that in well-informed quarters in London there is an impression that the Note may provoke a conflict between the extremists, of whom Tchitcherin is the leader, and the moderates.

The Daily Telegraph states that the Soviet delegation in London does not expect compliance and there are signs that they are making preparations for departure. Although the Bolshevik's know they have been watched they are surprised at the accuracy of the Government’s information. It is clear Lord Curzon has not given out one tithe of the precise information available regarding the Bolsheviks’ activities in England. —A. and N.Z.C.A. LONDON, Alay 9. The Soviet received the British Note on Alondav evening.—A. and N.Z.C.A.