KIDNAPPED GENERAL

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1930, Page 4

KIDNAPPED GENERAL

TAKEN TO MOSCOW.

[United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.]

PARIS, -March 24

“La. Liberte,” the Paris paper, in a special edition, has caused a sensation of its declaration that the missing General Koutepolf (whose disappearance' from Paris was cabled on February 27) is being kept a prisoner in Moscow. The paper states that hitherto it has been silent at the express wish of the French Prefect of Police, in order not to interfere with the investigations. “La Lilberte” considers that it is now free*} from its obligation, because in a-few hours, it says/ the whole of France will know m detail the whole circumstances of the General’s kidnapping. It says: “If we are giving the news before the police asked, we are excused, 'because we consider it cur duty. He was taken aboard a Soviet vessel on the Normandy coast, close to the town of Houlgate. On his arrival at Moscow, every means, including torture, was used on him to extract the names of White Russian spies m Moscow. These were then to be arrested and executed. The Soviet would then announce that there was a vast conspiracy against the Soviet, alleging the complicity of the French Government. This plan has failed; because the kidnapping was made known throughout the world. *

“‘La Liberte” concludes’ thus:— “General Koutepoff has been impn* soned in tire Lohsiahskaia Prison. He is alive, or, at least, he was alive, six days ago. The only hope is that the - French .Government will act forthwith.”