TROTSKY’S EXCLUSION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 719, 19 July 1929, Page 9

TROTSKY’S EXCLUSION

MR. CLYNES EXPLAINS DECISION “FULLEST CONSIDERATION” British Official Wireless Reed. 11.6 a.m. RUGBY, Thursday. The Home Secretary, Mr. J. R. Clynes, replying in the House of Commons to questions respecting the terms of the request of I.eo Trotsky, the Russian exile, now at Constantinople, when he asked to be permitted to land in this country, said M. Trotsky based his application on his desire to undergo medical treatment, to follow scientific studies, and to superintend the publication, of his autobiography. Assurances were offered on his behalf that, if he were admitted, he would not interfere with the domestic affairs of this country, or take part in any public meetings, or seek to make himself prominent in any way.

No communication on the subject of his application had been received from the Soviet Government. The decision of the British Government to refuse facilities for his visit was taken after full consideration of all the circumstances. It could be justified without impugning in any way the good faith of those who offered assurances on M. Trotsky’s behalf. In the Government’s view, if M. Trotsky were to come here, persons of mischievous intentions would unquestionably seek to exploit his presence for their town ends, and if in consequence he became a source of grave embarrassment, the Government would have no certainty of being able to secure his departure.