SPY MAD

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1927, Page 2

SPY MAD

(!iv 1)1!. EDOCARI) LUBOI'T. a beading Authority on Russia, in the London " Daily -Mail ”.)

Spy maun in Russia is a new phenomenon, lor until 19-4 the Cheka, or the

Ogpu. as the Soviet secret terrorist police is now known, specialised only in •• conspiracies.” Faked charges of conspiracy against 11 the power of the Soviets” were frequent, and were staged with just as much spectacular display as the present trials for espionage. These charges served two purposes: lirstlv they were intended to demonstrate the need for the Cheka to those who advocated iis abolition ; and. secondly, they were intended as replies to the allegations constantly brought against the Soviet of conspiracy in other countries. This policy is attributed to the genius of Djerzhinsk.v, the originator and Chief of the Cheka, who died in mysterious circunistiincos Inst year. When illo supply of victims gave out new methods became essential, and lrom the middle of October 1924 the C heka began to arrest people who had come into contact with foreigners, chiefly British. The usual accusation was dial they bad been spying in Russia on behalf of Britain. As a rule, these charges were based oil innocent letterbetween members ol the British .Mission intercepted by the Cheka. Among these letters is the now famous communication from Air Preston, ol the Petiograd Mission, to Mr Jerraii. of the Moscow Mission. The Cheka put a special interpretation on the humourous expressions used by Air Preston.

The iisrt victim ot' the Cheka spy lunnia was Colonel Peslikofl, u former officer of the Czar’s army, who was shot alter a farcical trial for espionage on helm If of Britain. In an official report by llykoff, the Soviet Premier, the British Government is stated to have made efforts to save the lives of eleven people, all of whom had been accused of espionage, hut it is claimed that “an unlimited number ot persons” were convicted and shot. During tin next two and a hall years the ntimbei of executions fluctuated, but since the recent Anglo-Soviet breach they have increased rapidly. In iact, it may be said to-dav that agents of the Cheka have now been let loose like savage witch-hunters.

Unfortunate people with relations or friends in England have become the special prey of the Cheka. Their mimes have been tabulated, and the slightest pretext is utilised for their arrest and certain conviction. Thus whole families in Moscow, Petrograd, and Odessa have been shot or lire now in prison. For example, in the present trial, tl*F innocent relationship between Khlopushin, one of the accused, and several English friends has endangered the Jives of his mother two brothers, and their friends Kurakina and Gagaieff. There is also the case of Sokololf, who was friendly with members of the British colony in Helsingfors (Finland). This friendship may cost the lives oi the Olshevsky couple, and, according to reports, it has already meant death to Mitiagin, who is reported to have committed “ suicide ” alter making a confession. The Grudzeff couple are also suffering for their friendship with one of the accused who corresponded with English friends. In these obvious ways the charges of espionage are faked. And thus the people of Russia are “prepared’ for •• the forthcoming war.” or it is evi-

dent that spy mania and war lever are merely wheels within wheels in the tiemendous conspiracy against the peace of the world that the Soviet Government is enginering.

LORD IVEAGH’S will

(Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Xov. 0. Lord Ivengh’s will contains a remarkable number of individual legacies, headed by twenty thousand each for Lord Plunket and five others. The apportionment of duties amounting to four millions is under discussion by British and Free State Governments, the question of domicile having arisen.