FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN RUSSIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24738, 15 October 1941, Page 9

FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN RUSSIA

I'O THE EDITOR Sir, —I congratulate vour correspondent “Socialist Democracy” on his first real effort at accuracy since he entered this controversy, I have, since my last letter, perused the “ little red book ” dealing with the question of working hours in the land of the Soviets. I find that, as regards the official statement on working hours, vour correspondent is nearer the mark than I at first realised, but if he is well versed in the real facts of the position he will admit that this official statement on the actual working hours is more observed in the breach than otherwise, in most callings m Russia. Under the special plea that, owing to the backward conditions of the real essential industries dealing with the improvement of the standard of living in Russia, those working hours were like a lot of things in Russia, not strictly observed.

I also thank your correspondent for admitting my correction concerninghis loose assertions of there being fewer leisure hours of the Russian worker compared with the greater leisure hours of the average worker in this country. Likewise. I presume, he now sees and agrees with my original contention.

that M. Maisky’s statement regarding ■ the so-called freedom of religion ,in Russia was a myth, viewed in the light of the real freedom of religious prac-. tice in this country and in other civilised countries. Mav I be pardoned for stating that the signs are not wanting, under present world changing conditions, of decided improvement of real religious freedom in that sadly ravaged and distressed country, as witness the cabled statement last week of the closing down 1 of the three leading anti-God news- - papers in Moscow. Thus, under pres- " sure of war. and world this • concession to the natural religiousloving desires of her older generation is now conceded. That similar concessions to matters of conscience may continue is my constant prayer.—l am, etc.. Sabbath Observance.

October 14, [This correspondence in closed. —Ed, 0.D.T.l