SOVIET AFFAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 20203, 14 June 1927, Page 7

SOVIET AFFAIRS

FUNERAL OF VOIKOFF VIOLENT ANU-BRITISH SPEECHES UNEASY EXCITEMENT IN MOSCOW (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) London, June 12. The Daily Express’s Moscow correspondent reports that violent anti-British speeches and most stringent military precautions were the outstanding features of the funeral of Voikoff which was carried out with greater pomp than any State funeral since Dzer jinsky’s. There was uneasy excitement all day and military patrols cantered past the Polish Legation incessantly while armed pickets were in all the main centres. The military cleared Red Square, completely thrusting the public into side streets. The staff of the Polish Legation drove up in three motor cars bearing enormous wreaths, in notable contrast to the meagre Soviet Howers, Moscow having decided not to send the flowers, but to give money “for our answer to Chamberlain.” —A. and N.Z. “BRITAIN MADE MURDER POSSIBLE.” SPEECH OVER VOIKOFFS COFFIN. London, June 12. The Daily Express’ Moscow’ correspondent states that M. Rykoff, speaking over the open coffin, surrounded by 3,000 troops, said: “The British breach with Russia made this murder possible. The Soviet holds data proving that England inspired and financed Monarchist organisations on Polish soil. The murder marks a crisis. We are obliged to retort with strict measures. No hireling like Kowerda should suceed here.” M. Litvinoff expressed the hope that the revolution could be defended without the use of the Red Army. M. Buckharin declared: “The bourgeoise are beginning to shoot at us and may march against us with drums. Our slogan continues to be militant communism.”—A. and . NX RIDICULOUS SOVIET CHARGES. London, June 12. Sir Robert Hodgson dealing with the Soviet statements that the recently executed political prisoners had been agents of the British Government, said: “The case of Filin is even more fantastic. He was a Red Army officer whose wife had been the childhood friend of Mrs Channock, for which reason Channock was very careful to avoid dealings with Filin especially as his position enabled him to procure information. The charge on which Filin was executed was only now revealed.” Sir R. Hodgson adds that the arrestees’ so-called confessions must be treated with the gravest distrust as secret police habitually endeavour to wring admissions from victims by promising release if they sign dictated statements. Similarly the police employ most abominable measures to secure agents. For example Louise Kock, a maid-servant at the British Mission, was threatened with life imprisonment unless she informed against him (Mr Hodgson). She was also threatened with death if she revealed the fact that she had been approached. Accordingly information supplied by agents recruited in this manner was entirely valueless.—A. and N.Z. ANOTHER ASSASSINATION. Moscow, June 12. It is reported that M. Turov, formerly President of the Soviet Trade Mission to Berlin, was murdered at Bitza station on the Moscow to Kursk railway. A Soviet Note to Poland demands the / punishment of all concerned in Voikoff’s assassination, Soviet representation at trial, the dispersal of anti-Soviet organisations in Poland and the expulsion of members. The Note expresses satisfaction with Poland’s offer to compensate Madame Voikoff, but considered it incumbent on itself to provide for the care of his family because Voikoff perished when on duty.—A. and N.Z. CATCHING THEM YOUNG. BRITISH BOY COMMUNISTS FOR RUSSIA. London, June 12. Six youngsters selected by the British Communist party are setting out to-mor-row for an eight weeks’ stay in Russia as guests of the Moscow Young Red Pioneers. Though their ages range only from 11 to 13 it is seriously announced they are going to study the conditions of children under the Soviet.—A. and N.Z. NEGOTIATING TRADE WITH GERMANY. REFLEX OF BRITISH RUPTURE. Berlin, June 12. In view of Russia’s desire for credits enabling the placing of big orders in Germany in consequence of the British rupture, great importance is attached to M. Tchitcherin’s luncheon at the Soviet Embassy to 15 German financial and industrial magnates.—A. and N.Z. MOSCOW’S ATTITUDE DISGUSTS GERMANY. (Rec. 10.35 p.m.) London, June 13. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent states that the Soviet’s manifestation of bloodlust has disgusted the Germans, who set store on Moscow’s friendship and co-operation. This open revulsion of feeling brands the rulers of Russia as outside the boundaries of civilisation. The latest Soviet Note to Poland is offensive, but carefully phrased to avoid the language of an ultimatum as the Soviet knows its military impotence.—A. and N.Z.