ORDERED BACK TO MOSCOW.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18540, 10 April 1930, Page 9

ORDERED BACK TO MOSCOW.

Plight of Russians In London. SOVIET’S UGLY THREAT. (United Press Association—By Slsetrls Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, April 9. Twenty Russians at present in England have received a letter from the Russian Consul-General in London, invitfiig them to return to Russia within seven days, failing which they will become liable under the decree of the Soviet to be outlawed, to have their property confiscated, and to execution by shooting 24 hours after identification. “The Morning Post,” publishing a facsimile reproduction of part of the original letter, says: “The men were dismissed recently when the Soviet trade delegation was reorganised, and they were ordered to return to Moscow.” Editorially, “The Post” asks: “Will these Russians be kidnapped like General Koutepoff, or will they be shot within the precincts of the Russian Embassy, or smuggled aboard a .vessel and massacred at leisure?” SOVIET OFFICIAL REPLY. RISKING DIRE PENALTIES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received April 9, 9.10 pan.) LONDON, April 8. The Soviet Consul-General in London, in an official explanation of the decree, declared that those not complying are well aware that they are liable to execution by shooting or deprivation of their citizens’ rights, including the confiscation of property. The Russians concerned, consisting of about ten, who were employed in the Soviet trade delegation, as technical workers and office assistants, were recently ordered to transfer to Moscow, and they had been reminded of the penalty. It was within the right of the .Consul to order officials sent to England by the Government, to proceed home when their presence here was considered no longer necessary. The people concerned had an opportunity to explain why they had not complied, but did not avail themselves thereof. The Consul-General refused to say whether some would be sentenced to death in their absence, as reported from Riga. It is understood, in the event of non-compliance within a fixed period, the Consul-General will ask the British Government to withdraw th# residential permits.