SURPRISE AT THE TRIAL

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 223, 19 April 1933, Page 5

SURPRISE AT THE TRIAL

No Mention of Monkhouse's Allegation

PRISONERS ADDRESS THE THE COURT

Press Association. —Copyright. Received To-day, 2.25 p.m. Moscow, April 18. —M. Kodoinov's omission to task the judges to acquit; Monkhouse and his failure to mention Monkhouse's sensational charge that the trial was a frame-up caused surprise. At the conclusion of counsels' speeches .the prisoners were permitted to address the court. Cushny said: "My counsel has torn to shreds the accusations against me. Whatever the verdict, I shall leave the court an honest man." MacDonald. speaking in a dull monotone, said: " I've acknowledged my guilt; I have nothing to add." Nordwall said: "!t is painful to hear the remarks of the prosecutor. I always did my work honestly and did all I could to help

the Soviet. The O.G.P.U. treated me fairly. The trial has been most fair. 1 am not guilty and remain a friend of the Soviet Union." Thornton said: "I pleaded not, guilty at the beginning of the trial and still do so. The evidence against me is unreliable, that's all." "Absolutely Innocent" Monkhouse said: "1 am absolutely innocent. I am certain Thornton did not voluntarily sign the confession implicating mo in spying. I don't believe the documents would hold good in any court abroad. Regarding the wrecking 1 never knew a mother to plunge a dagger in the heart of her child. "I have never bribed and never will. The O.G.P.U. found no bribes in the firm's books."

Gregory declared he was innocent, hut all the Russians, including Madame Kutusova and Sokolov, pleaded guilty.