“Red” Dean Defends Russia At Libel Hearing

Chronicle (Levin), 1 March 1949, Page 5

“Red” Dean Defends Russia At Libel Hearing

Received Tuesday, 10„40 a.m. PARIS, Feb. 28, The "Red" Dean of Canterbury, Dr. Hewlett Johnson, giving evidence in the "I Chose Freedom" libel suit, said he did not believe that Victor Kravchenko's book was substantiated by the facts, which he had studied since 1917. Dr. Johnson said there was complete freedom of religion in Rflssia. He added: "The clergy of Russia were free to select their officers, there, was complete equality of religion and there was State ass-is-tance in the material needs of the churches." Dr. Johnson said that he had had a talk with Marshal Stalin and he regarded Kravchenko's book as "a grotesque and ridiculous caricature of Marshal Stalin." Dr. Johnson, who was called by the defence (Les Lettres Francaises), said that he was struek by the dignity and regular features of Marshal Stalin's face. - Questioned by Maitre Izard (Krkvchenkd's counsel) as to^why he had; not protested against the conviction of Cardinal Mindszenty, Dr. Johnson replied: "I do not think that has anything to do with my visit here." . M. Izard then asked Dr. Johnson about an artiele under his name which appeared in the British Communist newspaper, the Daily Worker. Dr. Johnson said: "I am proud of my relationship with the Daiiy Worker, Miich is perfectly independent for I am not a member of any political party."