NO HAVEN FOR TROTSKY

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1929, Page 13

NO HAVEN FOR TROTSKY

BRITISH CABINET’S REASON

DANGERS IN HIS PRESENCE GOOD FAITH NOT IMPUGNED (British Official Wireless). Rugby, July 18. The Home Secretary, the Rt. Hon. J. R. Hynes, replying to tho House of Commons to questions respecting the terms of tho request of the exiled Communist Trotsky, when he asked to be permitted to land in this country, said Trotsky based his application on his desire to undergo medical treatment, to follow scientific studies and to superintend the publication of his autobiography. Assurances had been offered on his behalf that if admitted he would not interfere with the domestic affairs of this country, take part in any public meetings or seek to make himself prominent in any way. No communication on the subject has been received from the Soviet Government

The decision of the British Government to refuse facilities for the visit was taken after the fullest consideration of all tho circumstances. It could be justified without impugning in any way the good faith of those who offered the assurances on Trotsky’s behalf. In the Government’s view, if Trotsky were to come here, persons of mischievous intentions would unquestionably seek to exploit his presence for their own ends and if, in consequence, ho became a source of grave embarrassment, the Government would have no certainty of being able to secure his departure.