SOVIET RUSSIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1924, Page 3

SOVIET RUSSIA.

R YKOFF’S MOTIVE. f/'Tm: Times” Sukvick.j LONDON, March A. The ‘‘Times” learns from trustworthy sources in Moscow that liykolf, the Soviet President, whose departure, for health reasons to tho Caucasus, was ostentatiously published in tile Soviet newspapers, actually left for Merlin incognito. The journey must lie recognised as a very characteristic symptom of the present weakness and confusion among members of the Soviet Government.

The correspomlcmf recalls a recent speech by Rykoff, when lie urged upon the Government that it mjis ur-

gently necessary to invite lien parly men. who Innl proved in-live upport-'rs of Soviet rule during tin- lust six months, to fill responsible posts in the Government; which deelarnl inn, together with RyknfF’s secret jimine.v. is regarded ns :i sign that, the Soviet appreciates its weakness and is striving to enlist the active support of preeminent "Russians living in Germany and elsewhere.

SOVIET PROSECUTIONS. LONDON, A larch o. The “Daily Express’’ Moscow correspondent says: - Indulgence in elnfrupngne parties, and conduct unbecoming to Communists, arc a mono the. charges in a seventy-two page indictment brought against Alexander ami Jacob Kiasnochekev, two brothers, whose trial lias opened at the Supreme Court. It is alleged that they gave expensive entertainments at their villa outside Moscow, and also at I’etrograd. where, oil one occasion, hnmlluls of cold wore Hung to gipsy girls. It. is also alleged the brothers maintained n beautiful villa in the Crimea, whence 1 tey I'requenty look parties nl women m llnwer-dei'ked motor cars. D is charged that .Alexander possessed D suits, and that, as President ot the Russian Commercial and Industrial Dank, he .showed favouritism to his own relatives. and engaged among others, without hanking experience, a young Moscow ballet dancer. It is Im l her alleged that Alexander advanced hank mono yat a trivial vale of interest to his hint her Jacob, who is the manager of the Anglo-Russian Construction Company, whereby the hank lost 11.i.( .00 sterling in the interest at the customary rate. Three of the banks’ officials are standing their trial with the brothers. They are all liable, under the indictment, to the death penally. I-rsSTA KEEKING CREDIT LOAN. LONDON. March 5. Too Express" Moscow correspondent states that Russia is seeking one hundred and lilty millions sterling credits in Britain, bn be used exclusively for economic reconst ruction.