CONCLUDING STAGES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18067, 19 April 1933, Page 8

CONCLUDING STAGES

THE MOSCOW TRIAL ACCUSEDS’ STATEMENTS INNOCENCE RE AFFIRM El> (Klee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received April 19, 2 p.m.) MOSCOW, April 18. M. lvodomov’s omission, in the concluding stages of the trial, to ask tho judges to acquit Monkhouse, and his failure to mention Monkhouse’s sensational charge I hat the trial was a frameup, caused surprise. At the conclusion of counsel's speeches Hie prisoners were permitted to address the court. Cushny said : “Alv counsel has torn to shreds the accusations against me. Whatever the verdict I. shall leave tho court an honest man.”

MacDonald, speaking in a dull monotone, said: “I’ve acknowledged my guilt. I have nothing to add." Not'd wall said : “It was painful to hear the remarks of the prosecutor. I always did my work honestly, and did all 1 conld to help the Soviet. The Ogpu treated me fairly, and the trial has been most fair. I am not guilty, and remain the friend of the Soviet Union.

Thornton said: “1 pleaded not guilty at the beginning of the trial, and still do. The evidence against me is unreliable. That’s all.” Monkhouse said: “I am absolutely innocent,. I am certain that Thornton did not voluntarily sign the confession implicating mo in spying. 1 don’t believe the documents would hold good in any court abroad. Regarding wrecking, i never knew a mother to plunge a dagger in the heart of her child. .1 have never bribed and never will. The Ogpu found no bribe in the firm’s books.” Gregory declared his innocence. All the Russians, including Aldlle. Kutusova and Sokolov pleaded guilty. BRITISH REPRISALS SWIFT ACTION PREDICTED NO RIGHT OF APPEAL (Received April 10, 2 p.m.) LONDON, April 18. Tho Daily Telegraph's political correspondent says a hurriedly-summoned Cabinet meeting decided that if sentences of imprisonment were passed on rhe British prisoners, swift action would be taken in accordance with the Russian floods import Prohibition Act. Authority in the matter was delegated to Sir John Simon. li is stated, that, the accused men have no right of appeal.