RED EMBASSY RAIDED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 8 April 1927, Page 9

RED EMBASSY RAIDED

Soviet Intrigues in China Exposed

PROMPT ACTION OF DIPLOMATIC CORPS

MANY ARRESTS AND LOADS OF DOCUMENTS SEIZED

Quite a sensation was, caused in diplomatic circles by the report that a detachment of Chang-Tso-Lin’s troops had raided the Soviet Embassy in Peking. It is further reported that the raid was sanctioned by the Diplomatic Corps.

The object of the raid was to check the operations of the Moscow propagandists, who used the Embassy as the headquarters of their sinister activities.

STARTLING REPORT FROM PEKIN G.

Americans, the trial of whom is held over, pending the result of other investigations. Chang’s Appeal.

LONDON OFFICIAL VIEW.

General Chang Tso-Lin had appealed to the Foreign Ministers comprising the Diplomatic Corps to curb the activities of the Peking Communists sheltering in the legation quarter. Permission was asked to enter, ana granted in contravention of diplomatic eiiquette. Acting on this permission, one hundred Chinese police, commanded by the Police Chief, and 200 Chinese soldiers from General Cfiang-Tso-Lin’s bodyguard, surrounded the Russian Embassy grounds on three sides. Simultaneously British troops, with fixed bayonets and loaded rifles, appeared on the British Legation wall on the fourth side. Without hesitation, the Chinese forced an entry into the Embassy, searched all in residence thoroughly, and arrested all found on the premises. Search of Building.

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received April 7, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 6.

The Foreign Office has not received confirmation of the raid on the Soviet Embassy in Peking.

Official circles doubt the sugywstioii that tlie Diplomatic Corps gave specific authorisation. Ordinarily, no warrants may be executed within the settlement without the diplomats’ signatures, which ordinarily is automatically granted, otherwise criminals could very easily find sanctuary in the settlements, and defy the police. But in the present disturbed conditions, the Diplomatic Corps would be sui-u to examine every request, all the Powers being equally anxious to avoid all appearance of partisanship. It is unofficially suggested that it is most probable that application was made to raid some building where Russians were housed, and the diplomats would feel bound to consent to an act which the Chinese authorities represented as essential, but it is very doubtful that they would consent to a deliberate raid on the Russian Embassy.

The first building entered was the former Russian garrison. The Searchers met with resistance, and a shot, was fired from within. The searchers emerged, dragging out a Russian, kicking and fighting. Other searchers discovered two machine-guns, fifteen rifles, and small arms; also two Red flags. The Russian was handcuffed and dragged into the street.

In the meantime, other prisoners emerged quietly, and drove off in automobiles.

[A cable message from Peking, published yesterday, reported that, acting on the signed authorisation of the Diplomatic Corps, a body of Chang Tso-1 in’s troops and armed police raided the Soviet Embassy. One shot was heard, after which a Russian was dragged out, bound, and carried off in a motor car. Six Russians and 15 to 20 Chinese were removed to the police station. A machine-gun, fifteen rifles, and a quantity of ammunition were also removed from the Embassy. Tt is understood that the Soviet Charge d’Affaires and other officials have been detained. Troops still occupy the building.]

The fighting Russian refused to go into an automobile, his struggles attracting a crowd, which was batoned away.

Wild Scenes. The episode produced the wildest scenes in the Legation quarter, ana mobs were dispersed with the greatest difficulty. The search of the Embassy continued, and officials were ordered to remain in their offices. A fire which broke out in the mam building, apparently to destroy important documents, was soon extinguished. Loads of Documents. After six hours’ searching, sixtyfour were arrested, handcuffed and incarcerated, including the Soviet Charge d’Affaires. In the meantime, five truck loads of documents, data and other material was removed, including the seals inscribed: “The Peking Branch of Kuoinin-tang. Political Committee of Kirin, Shansi, Kansen and Ghilsi Provinces.” The arrested include' six women, all of whom are detained at the Metropolitan Police Board.

OFFICIAL REPORT ON RAID. CHECKING RED PROPAGANDA MANY ARRESTS MADE.

By Cable—Press Association —Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Oa'.vlo Association. (Received April 7, 8.30 p.m.) SHANGHAI; April 7.

Official details of the raid on the Soviet Embassy at Peking show that: investigations by secret service agents of General Chang-Tso-Lin into the source of radical propaganda emanating from Peking for months past, culminated in the arrest of two

The search of the Embassy is continuing. A staff of experts, convened by Headquarters to examine the seized documents, have reported that the exact documents desired have not been found.