CHANGING SOVIET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 281, 27 November 1936, Page 7

CHANGING SOVIET

NEW CONSTITUTION FREEDOM OF SPEECH SECRECY OF MAILS THE RIGHT TO WORSHIP [By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright] MOSCOW, Nov. 25. M. Stalin outlined to the All-Union Congress the new Constitution, creating a Council of the Union, consisting of members elected by citizens on the basis of one for each 300,000 and a Council of Nationalities appointed by the Supreme Councils of Autonomous Republics. The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, freedom from arrest except on warrant, secrecy of mails, and the right to worship. Greeted with ten minutes’ cheering and chanting the “Internationale,” 26 Spanish delegates in the front row balcony were particularly demonstrative. M. Stalin, wearing his customary khaki tunic, spoke for two hours, without a gesture and without rhetoric, outlining the new Constitution to the 2033 delegates of 160 nationalities, mostly exemplary shock workers, and 2000 guests. M. Stalin emphasised that the Constitution was an indictment of Fascism, inspiring all civilised fighters for democracy against barbarism. It was not Communist but Socialist, and therefore, as Socialism was only the first phase of Communism, which must be everybody’s objective, the Constitution was not to be regarded as the final pronouncement, for all time, but its importance was incalculable in view of the dirty flow of Fascism over some of the world’s best peoples. It was morally supported by all opponents of the Fascist robbers and served to stimulate further the struggle for a Communist victory. At present the State could pay its citizens according to their production. but under Communism it would pay each according to his needs. The Constitution provides for a bicameral Parliament elected by universal eighteen-year-old suffrage and a Presidium of thirty-seven acting as a collective executive. Small private firms and other individual enterprises will be permitted. Complete freedom is given both to worship and conduct of anti-religious propaganda. M. Rosengoltz declares that Russia is now the world’s most solvent country. FREEDOM FOR RELIGION REVOLUTION BANS ERASED. ENTHUSIASM FOR CONGRSSS. (Received Nov. 26, 8.10 p.m. MOSCOW, Nov. 25. Stalin suggested the organisation of a new commissariat for military industries and providing the world’s greatest military machine. He severely criticised those desirous of depriving priests and the former White Guards of suffrage. He added that denial of a vote to priests and proscription of religious services would be contrary to the spirit of the constitution. The time had come to abolish these limitations, which were only necessary in the first days of the revolution as measures against those opposing it. A half-hour’s thunderous applause terminated the address. M. Kalinin, chairman of the Central Executive, opened the proceedings. Congress elected a presidium of twenty-nine members, including Stalin, Molotov, Kaganovich, Voroshilov, Kalinin and Litvinov. The speech was broadcast throughout the Soviet, operators increasing amplification after Stalin’s voice began to fail, despite his drinking two bottles of mineral water. Popular enthusiasm for Congress is testified by a variety of presents from all over Russia, ranging from trainloads of naptha products and caterpillar tractors to a clock-made convict labour camp weighing six hundreadwoight, showing the leaders emerging from the Kremlin when the hour strikes.