RAID RESULTS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1927, Page 3

RAID RESULTS

SOVIET NOTE. 'Australian Press Association & Sun.] llleceived this day at 8 a.m.) MOSCOW, May 29. Litviuoff handed a note to the British Charge d*Affairs stating tlie British decision had not surprised the Soviet, who were aware a rupture was being prepared by the Conservative Government. The note emphatically denies all charges of violating the Trade Agreement which, he declared, was based on false information and forged documents, wherewith the British Government freely operated throughout the period of Anglo-Soviet relations. He deems it unworthy to reply to the insinuations of espionage by the Trade Delegation, and declares the British had no legal ground for the police raid on extra territorial premises, nor in terminating the agreement without Semester’s notice. It is evident to the whole world that the fundamental cause of the rupture is the defeat of the Conservative Government’s policy in China, and the attempt to mask the defeat by a diversion directed at the Soviet, while the direct reason is the Government’s desire to divert public opinion from the failure of the absurd police raid on Arcos, and to save Sir Joynsou Hicks from a scandalous position consequent on the raid. He concludes:—The Soviet desires friendly relations with the British Empire. The responsibility of the break rests with the British Government. It has inevitably upset the existing political, economic, international relations, but the Soviet is convinced the time is near when the British people will find ways and means for the unhampered realisation of their aspirations for peaceful normal relations with the Soviet.

CABINET ACTION. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.A LONDON, A lay 29. Consultations are progressing between the Foreign Office, Home Office and police in regard to. the final list of Russians to be expelled.

A LABOR. ACTION. LONDON, May 29

Much attention has been drawn to the luncheon given at the House of Commons to Rosenglotz and Khinchuk •l»y Labour members', within an hour of the delivery of the notice to quit. Ten Labour Commoners were present. Landbury in a statement, said the function was simply a gathering of friends, parted through the stupidity of the Government. Ho added: “It is well-known that Tory Diehards entertained Russian whites at the Commons. 1 ” 'Another incident, small in its origin, has arisen from a remark by Colonel Grant Morgan in the Commons, just before the vote ratifying the Government’s policy. Labourites allege Morgan said the Opposition’s nay from Moscow would now stop. The Speaker did not hear the remark. Moran said he only meant certain members of the Opposition were under the influence of Moscow. Labourites intend to press for an explanation.

MR. GARVIN’S COMMENT. LONDON, May 29.

Mr Garvin, in the “Observer” while admitting the logical justification for the Government’s policy, is overwhelming on paper, argues that the Arcos raid by itself was a fiasco- and added nothing of importance to the evidence already possessed. He asks, “What have we gained in politics or trade? What happens next? When and under what conditions do wo expect to resume relations?” He concludes: “As a strong humorous people we eoukl have made surer of bringing the game to the best result hv hiding time. The affair in no way promotes the spirit of Locarno, and leaves prospects of disarmament in rather a deeper shadow.

SOVIET VIEWS. (Received this dav at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON. May 29. Moscow is at present very communicative and voluble. Bruanoff (Commissioner of Finance) lias announced an intensive campaign to mobilise internal money resources. The press : undertaking a campaign to increase bank deposits and investment loans. Franklin (vice-Commissioner) admits there is no hope of obtaining financial credits from Western Europe for a time, because British hankers control European operations. Voroschiloff (War Minister), In a speech in Southern Ukraine, said, assuming England is preparing to.sic round the Soviet Union in ten years, then the danger of war cannot be excluded. Only general preparation on

our part can restrain England from attack.

Cfiieheran on going to Berlin from Paris, professes complacency. lie states he is convinced France and Italy and United States will not join Brit. in. lie no longer fears a European bloc. A deel'ce of the Council of People’s Commissars states diplomatic representatives will in future be responsib 1 ' for activities niid behaviour ol trade delegations and other official Soviet organisations abroad. Ambassadors must see that all measures are taken in accordance nitli the country to which they are attached.”