RAID RESULTS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 June 1927, Page 3

RAID RESULTS

'Australian Press Association it Sun.]

ENGLAND AND SOVIET. {Received this day at 3 a.m.) LONDON. Juno 5. If after a reasonable period the Russian Government learned the elementary decencies of international conduct there was no reason why the position should not he reconsidered, said Lord Birkenhead at Leicester. Ijet the Russian Government lay aside for once all its plans of world revolution and .above all leave the British Empire alone, and set its own bouse in order then we will see if relations could be renewed, for though Britain never suffered insolence from any, power, she never cherished obstinate, unnecessary antagonism. ‘ RUSSIANS DEPART. LONDON, June 4.

A pantomime aptly describes the Soviet officials’ departure from London. The first entrant at the Victoria .Railway Station was Mr George Lnnsbury (British Labour ALP.), with a large bunch of red roses and tulips. Then came other Labourites, including Mr Ben Tillet and Mr Snklatvala (Communist M.P.). The latter carried huge red poppies. A second later came Mr Arthur Henderson, followed by Mr W. M. Citrine (the 'Secretary of the Trades Union Congress).

The entrance of M. Rosengoltz (the Soviet Minister), the star performer, was the signal for the devotees to approach ceremoniously and shake hands with him. Amidst the chatter, M. Rosengoltz extricated himself from the group, and he smiled broadly, while the photographers clicked their cameras. Mr Lansbury called out: “There is propaganda for you! A picture ol the terrible Bolshevists!”

Then the group was lined up, and M. Rosengoltz put bis little son in front, and said: “Take a picture ot a litte Bolshevist!” The next scene included a chorus about two hundred men and women joining in the singing of “The International” and “The Red Hag.” Some of the women called out. “Long live the British Republic.” Everybody laughed. M. Myiski, accompanying M. Rosengoltz, was overcome by the singing. He kissed Mr Lansbury. Then the whistle blew, and M. Rosengoltz and M. Myiski and their personal party entered a first-class coach. The proletarian remainder entered a third class carriage. M. Rosengoltz, from his window, said: “ 1 hope to see you all in Moscow soon.” Then the train steamed out for Dover.

M. Rosengoltz, M. Khinchuk, and thirty Soviet officials are in the party, en route for Moscow, via Berlin. There was a luxurious saloon, decorated with red and yellow roses. A crowd of 300 Communists, mostly foreigners, noisily farewelled them. Mr Lansbury called finally for three cheers for the Soviet.