WARNING TO REDS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXI, Issue 9846, 27 October 1924, Page 5

WARNING TO REDS

ANTI-BRITISH 'PROPAGANDA

AIUST CEASE,

FULFILMENT OF TREATY CONDITION S DEMANDED. FOREIGN OFFICE TALKS STRAIGHT TO RUSSIA. United Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, Oct. 24. Britain lias warned Russia that she must cease anti-British revolutionary propaganda and must fulfil the treaty.—Sun. (Received Oct. 26, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 25. The Foreign Office has issued the text of a letter it addressed to the Russian Charge D 1 ’Affaires, attention to a fetter by Zinavielf, president of the executive committee of the Communist International, addressed to the Central Committee of the British Communist Party, containing instructions to work for the violent overthrow of existing institutions in Britain and subversion of Ills Alajestv’s armed forces as a means to that end.

The Foreign Office informs Linovieff that the British Government cannot allow this propaganda, and much regal'd it us a. direct interference in British domestic affairs. It says no one who understands the constitution and relationship of the Communist International will doubt its intimate connection with the Soviet Government. Such conduct is not only a grave departure from the rules of international comity, but a violation of specific solemn undertakings repeatedly given. The Foreign Office cites the agreement of June 4, 1923, relative to propaganda, and points out that the treaty recently concluded made still further provision for the faithful execution of an analogous undertaking. His Majesty’s Government means that these undertakings shall he carried out in the letter and tho spirit, and cannot accept the contention that whilst the Soviet Government, undertakes obligations a political body as powerful as itself is to be allowed- to conduct propaganda and support it with money, which is in direct violation of the official agreement. The Soviet Government either has or has not power to make such arrangements. If it has the power it is its duty to carry them out and see that other parties arc not deceived ; if it has not this power and if the responsibilities which belong to the State in other countries are in Russia, in the keeping of Private irresponsible bodies, the Soviet Government ought not to make agreements, which it knows it cannot carry out.

Finally the Foreign Office requests tho observations of the Soviet Government on this matter without delay.

The letter is signed in the absence of the Secretary of State by J. D. Gregory.—Reuter.

BOLSHEVIK REPLY. “AN AMUSING FORGERY.” (Received Get. 20, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 23. The Daily Express interviewed Kahovsky, who declared Zinavieff’s letter was an amusing forgery. He denied it emanated from the Communist International headquarters, adding. “I have no idea who wrote it.” It is a great election manoeuvre on The eve of polling. The contents do not conform to the Communist International tactics. The Soviet Government cannot bo made responsible for the action of. the executive of the Communist International. I am surprised that the Foreign Office lias not waited for a reply from us before giving the alleged communication publicity.”

Inkpin, secretary of the Communist Party in Britain, denies that the party received Zinovieff’s letter. He expresses the opinion that the document is a complete forgery. A similar statement is issued by Rakovsky’s secretary.—Reuter.