INDIGNATION IN POLAND

Chronicle (Levin), 17 May 1949, Page 5

INDIGNATION IN POLAND

(N.2.P.A.-

-keuter,

Arrest Of Eisler DenOuhced As Brutal Vioiation

Copyrig'ht)

Received Tuesday, 9.55 a.m. LONDON, May 16. The Polish Government today denounced the seizure of the Ger-hian-born Gerhard Eisler, Americah Communist Jeader, from the lihbi: Batory as a ''brutal vioiation of the Polish flag." It added that Elston arrest constituted abductlon ane onat the^ incident had caused deep indignation and understandabto A Southampton magistrate toda$ orderea nusler to be taken to Loridon forthwith to face extraditioh proceedings. Eisler was described as a journalist and was alleged tt have been convicted of perjury ih New York. Eisler s counsel said that Eisler was not America's No. 1 Communist He was not even an American. "He is German. He toever wanted tc go to the United States. He wai detained there on his way to Mexicc dilring the war." . As soon as the hearing was over Eisler left for London by road aho later appeared in the Bow Street Police Court, where he was remana' ed. ih custody until May 24. Bail wa: refused. A Foreign Office spokesman said today that Eisler's arrest was permissihle under international law-. Twelve professors of Leipzig University, where Eisler was offered a chair some time ago, have sent £ telfegram of protest against his arrest to the British Government. The Home Sepretary, Mr, J Chuter Ede, answering questioni about Eisler in the House of Coihmonsi said that the Governmehi must await the receipt and inveshgation of the evidence before it could make a decision. Mr. W. Gallacher (Communist) interjected: "Is there no limit tc the depths of degradation to which this country can be drawn at America's command?" The Speaker commented that was ah improper insinuation. Mr. Gallacher retorted: "It ish't an insihuation; it's God's truth;" Mr. Chuter Ede said that United States Embassy officials had applied to the Southampton magistrate for Eisler's arrest on the ground that he had been convicted of an extraditable offence and broken bail. American Embassy officials went aboard the Batory, but he knew of no intimidation of the paptnin