THE DEMAND ON RUSSIA.

Grey River Argus, 11 May 1923, Page 5

THE DEMAND ON RUSSIA.

Text of the British Mote. (A. and N.Z. Onble Association.) LONDON, May 9. The text has been issued of the British Note, which was 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 the existing relations to be maintained. The Note demands an apology for, and cessation of the Soviet’s anti-British propaganda and hostile action, particularly in the East, and the recall of officials responsible. It also demands the Soviet’s admission of liability for, ami undertaking to pay, compensation in cases where British subjects have been maltreated in Russia, and for the British ships which have been seized. It also demands an unequivocal withdrawal of the reply to the British representations regarding Archbishop Zepliak and Father Budkevitcli. The Note states that though Britain has scrupulously observed the article in the trade agreement promising to refrain from any hostile act, the Soviet had flagrantly violated the same. The Note citing outrages against Britishers mentions the murder of Davison in January, 1920, and the arrest and imprisonment on false charges of Mrs Stan Harding. Compensation is demanded for the loss of the Magnets, and the seizure of the St. Hubert and James Johnson; also an assurance that British trawlers will not further be interfered with outside the three mile limit. Referring to the Russians’ reply to British representations on behalf of the Archbishop, the Note says: It seems difficult to arrive at any other conclusion than that the Soviet. is either convinced Britain will accept any insult sooner than break with the Soviet, or that the Soviet desires to terminate the relations created by the trade agreement. LONDON, May 9. The Russian Telegraph Agency states that while the militia were following a gang of burglars at Moscow, one of the criminals jumped on the motor car of the British Trade Commission**! and forced the chauffeur to drive on, the criminal meanwhile firing on his pursuers. Tn the exchange of shots, Mr Sloggett, a member of the British Commissioin, was wounded. He was taken to the Hospital. The criminal was also mortally wounded. The Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed to the British mission its extreme regret. LONDON, May 9. Lord Curzon, simultaneously with the dispatch of his note to Russia, instructed Hodgson, the British agent at Moscow, to return to England with the whole Mission if the Soviet Government does not reply by next Thursday. If the reply is received within that period and is clearly unsatisfactory the Mission must leave Russia immediately. The “Morning 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 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; that, although the Bolsheviks know they have been watched, they arc surprised at the accuracy of the Government’s information; and that it is clear that Curzon has not given out one tithe of the precise information available regarding the Bolshevik activities in England,