SOVIET EXECUTIONS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 85, 4 January 1935, Page 9

SOVIET EXECUTIONS

Ambassador’s Defence DEPUTATION IN LONDON London, January 2. The Soviet Ambassador, Al. Maisky, j-eplying to a Trades Union and Labour Party deputation, said he regretted that they had published a resolution of protest before ascertaining the facts. He explained that the executed men were guilty of terroristic acts. The majority came from abroad and possessed bombs and weapons. They declared themselves in court to be enemies of the Soviet. Al. Kirov’s assassination demanded stronger measures for combating terrorism. Therefore investigations and trials were expedited, especially since White Guards had crossed unhindered into Russia in order to fulfil the terroristic designs. The deputation, replying, said that nevertheless they felt that an open trial was best in the interests of all concerned.

According to a London message of December 21, the Trades Union Counc’l and the Labour Party’s National Executive jointly issued a statement declaring that while appreciating the natural outraged feelings of the Soviet due to the assassination of AL Kirov, they were profoundly shocked and alarmed by subsequent reprisals in the form of widespread summary executions. They were of opinion that ail arrested persons should have public trials and opportunities for legal defence. They asked the Soviet Ambassador to receive a deputation on the subject.