REFUSAL TO GO TO RUSSIA

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1930, Page 6

REFUSAL TO GO TO RUSSIA

DISOBEDIENCE UNEXPLAINED

LONDON, April 8

The Soviet Consul at London, .in an .official explanation of the decree cabled to-day, declared that those not complying with it were well aware that they are liable to execution, by shooting, or to deprivation of their citizens’ rights, including the confiscation of their property.

The Russians concerned, lie stated, consisting of about ten, who were employed by the Soviet Trade Delegation as technical workers, and office assistants, were recently ' ordered to transfer to Moscow. They had been reminded of tho penalty. The Consul continued: “It was within the right of the Consul to order officials sent to England by the Government to proceed home when their presence here was considered no longer necessary. The people concerned hqd had an opportunity to explain why they had not complied, but they did not avail themselves of the opportunity.” The Consul refused to say whether some of them would lie sentenced to death in' their absence as has been reported from Riga. It is understood that in the event of their non-compliance with the order within a fixed period, the Consul will ask the British Government to withdraw their residential permits.