GENERAL KRIVITSKY

Grey River Argus, 12 February 1941, Page 5

GENERAL KRIVITSKY

Found Shot FORMER SOVIET ESPIONAGE CHIEF. [Aus. & N.Z.. Cable Assu.,l (Received February 11, 8.10 p.m.). WASHINGTON, February 10. - The body of a man, which is believed to be that of Genera! Walter Krivitsky, who purported to be a former Soviet Espionage Chief, has been found shot dead in an hot<" bedroom. Krivitsky was the author of articles in th e press on the internal workings of the Kremlin. At the inquest, the Coroner issued a certificate of suicide under the name of Walter Proef, alias Samuel Ginsberg. However, General Krivitsky’s lawyer, Mr Louis Waldman, stated that he was certain that the dead man was General Krivitsky, and that h<' had been murdered.

Th e body has also been identified as that of General Krivitsky by a Special Investigator of Congressman Dies’ Committee.

Two notes were found near the body, in a locked bedroom. One was in English; requesting Mr Waldman to arrange for th ( . welfare of his family, and the other wa s in Russian, which was of an autobiographical nature.

Krivitsky Murdered ?

ALLEGEDLY BY SOVIET AGENTS

NEW YORK, February 10

Mr Boris Shub, who wa s General Krivitsky’s interpreter, has issued a statement that h e is convinced 1 ha! General Krivitsky has been murdered by Soviet agents. SUICIDE INDICATIONS. BASED ON HANDWRITING. (Received February 12, 1.20 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February 11. Regarding Genercfl Krivitsky’s death, Mr Waldman conceded after examining the notes that "everything looks like suicide," but he said: "I do not accept the authenticity of these notes pending further investigation.” A police handwriting expert said there was no doubt that the writing on the hotel register and the notes was written by the same man. The Coroner gave a suicide verdict, but he said he will leave the case open until Mr Waldman’s suspicions are proved or disproved.

There were three notes left. The third was addressed: “Dear Suzanne.” The latter was identified by Mr Walman as Suzanne La Follette, the cousin of Senator Robert La Follette. He asked for help for his widow and child.