RUTHENIA FOR SOVIET

Grey River Argus, 2 July 1945, Page 5

RUTHENIA FOR SOVIET

5000 Square Miles TREATY WITH CZECHS LONDON, June 29. Russia and Czechoslovakia have signed an agreement giving Ruthenia to the Soviet Ukraine. The area affected is about 5000 square miles, with a population of 800,000. M. Mototov and M. Fierlinger, on behalf of Russia and Czechoslovakia, signed a treaty under which the Subcarpathian Ukraine (part of Ruthenia) is, by mutual agreement and the desire of its peoples, returned to the Ukraine Soviet Socialist Republic. M. Molotov described the treaty as oi great political value. The Subcarpathian Ukraine had been torn from the Fatherland for 1000 years. The Hungarians, and then the Germans, exploited it. After the last war the position was improved when the area became part of Czechoslovakia, but it was still torn from the Fatherland.

The entire Ukraine people were now united. The treaty vividly demonstrated the friendship between the Slav peoples. A Soviet statement says that nego-

tiations were carried out in an atmosphere of sincere friendship. Czech and Slovak nationals would be given the right of self-determination. Moscow radio stated: The pact will be submitted to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet and the Czech National Assembly for ratification. Russia and Czechoslovakia, in a protocol associated with the pact, agreed that a demarcation commission should settle the frontier details. Slovak and Czech nationals in the Carpathian Ukraine may apply for Czech na-

tionality. M. Fierlinger, in a speech quoted bv the Moscow radio, emphasised that the treaty proved that there were no questions which were insol uable by mutual understanding. “The Sub Carpathian Ukraine, after the last war, was incorporated in Czechoslovakia because the Russians were then in difficulties,” he said. “Now. by the heroic efforts of the Red Army and our Allies the enemy has been crushed and a number of frontier changes are taking place.” CHINESE DELEGATION AT MOSCOW. (Rec. 8.40). LONDON, June 30. A Chinese delegation, headed by Dr. Soong, has arrived at Moscow by, air from Chungking. Mr Molotov, Admiral Clark-Kerr, and Mr Harriman met the delegation, which includes Chiang Ching Kuo, son of Marshal Chiang Kai-shek.

RUSSIAN PRISONERS RESIST REPATRIATION. SEVERAL SHOT IN U.S. PRISON CAMP. CRec. 7.40) NEW YORK, June 30. The "New York Herald-Tribune” stated: Russians who were captured in France and who were fighting in German uniforms, were assembled later in the United States, in the Fort Dix prison camp. They were informed. that they were to be repatriated to Russia. When informed thev attacked the guards. There was half an hour’s lighting. Seven of the Russians were wounded by bullets. Two were injured while trying to scale the barbed wire. Three Americans were injured. The guards entered the barracks, in which the prisoners had barricaded themselves. The Americans found that three oi the Russians had hanged themselves. Fifteen more nooses dangled from the rafters. There were one hundred and fifty-four Russians from various parts of the country, assembled at Fort Dix in preparation for embarkation. Several of them held German commissions. When the Russians locked themselves m the barracks, the guards used tear Thereupon the Russians rushed fiom a rear door, brandishing knives from their mess kits, and bludgeons made from legs of chairs and tables, lhe guards then were ordered to lire on them. The guards wounded seven of the Russians. The remainder were then easily rounded up. REPATRIATION HALTED. BY U.S. WAR DEPARTMENT. (Rec 110). NEW YORK, June The U S. War Department has sud-. denly postponed the sailing of the 150 Russians who had rioted at Fort Dix when they learned that they were being repatriated to Russia under the terms of the Yalta Agreement. A “New York Times” .correspondent says: These despairing Russians had been conveyed, under a heavily-armed

guard, to a they were just there came a from Washington® repatriation. ® The War Depart® plain its decision eitjß to cancel the expuM sians. On the retul the men were taken 1 had been stripped ot] that had only a matti They were divested ( that might be used in suicide.