MOSCOW TRIALS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1930, Page 5

MOSCOW TRIALS

THE AMAZING CONFESSIONS

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(Received this day at 8 n.m.) LONDON, Nov. 30 Since the Moscow trial oega.ll every

body is speculating why the accus-jia

so fulsomely confessed. They soem yr almost to glory in their guilt. Why are tiie proceedings so prolonged since in the western countries, a plea oi guilty leaves only formalities. The first correspondent to touch on this aspect is the “Observer’s” at Moscow who commenting on the conspicuous lack of any of the defendants attempt to prove their innocence says one sometimes is amazed at the composure wherewith they incriminate themselves for capital offences, wherefore the whole articulate nation is clamouring for their execution. The coiiaspondeitf proceeds that it is a matter for conjecture whether the attitude originates in fatalism or relief after the strain of the investigation, repentance after guilt or hope that a full confession will bring a reprieve. Despite the confession, Krilenko relentlessly proceeds with his cross examination.

Marcel Ciichin, a French Ctomrttuilist deputy presentat the trial sending messages to tile Paris “Huinatiite,” whereof he in editor, says the whole story seems to resolve itself little more than saying that Russians and other refugees in Paris were occassionally reoeived by certain French officers and Ministers, and flattered themselves into believing they had secured (French promises of support for armed intervention against the Soviet.