Russia Alarmed

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 901, 19 February 1930, Page 9

Russia Alarmed

FEARS ORGANISED ATTACK British Government’s Concern GREAT DRIVE TO UNITE SOVIET THE attitude of Western Europe toward the Soviet's campaign of religious suppression is causing serious alarm in Kussia and fears are expressed that the nations are organising to attack her. The situation is giving cause for concern on the part of the British Government. As a defensive measure M. Stalin is making every effort to discount recent stories of discreditable Soviet activities and is conducting a great drive to reunite Kussia against the world.

United P. A.—By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 9 a.m. LONDON, Tuesday. It is no secret that the British Government is most concerned over the Russian situation, which has become worse instead of better since the resumption of relations. The gravest aspect is the fanatical nervousness, shown internally. It is stated that Russia fears desperately that the Western World is organising to attack her, and that the protests from British churches are merely part of a combination of circumstances at which the Soviet is grasping in a great effort to reunite Russia against the rest of the world. M. STALIN’S EFFORTS M. Stalin is vigorously exploiting the incident of the kidnapping of General Koutepoff, which he declares is a deliberate frame-up by Russian Whites. He is also using incidents in which European and American financiers are mentioned. He is filling the Soviet Press with accusations that financiers are aiming at the ruin of Russia. These are enabling M. Stalin to win over recalcitrants in a great drive to unite the Soviet against everybody, and make Russia self-supporting within five years. ANTI-GOD CAMPAIGN “A SUCCESSFUL WEEK,” REPORTS SOVIET MORE CHURCHES CLOSED Reed. 10.30 a.m. RIGA, Tuesday. “A very successful week on the Anti-God front,” is the official Soviet

summing up of activities in the past week, during which a record number of churches were closed. Sunday’s issue of the “Izvestia” contained a long list of villages in which churches had been closed and converted into clubs, workshops and grain stores. It also contained the Sergius interview denying religious persecution. HENDERSON ATTACKED SOVIET NEWSPAPER’S CRITICISM ’’FLAGRANT VIOLATION” Reed. 11.30 a.m. MOSCOW. Tuesday. The newspaper “Izvestia'’ regards Mr. Arthur Henderson’s reply in the House of Commons, as an undertaking by Government to interfere in a question not related to Anglo-Soviet affairs, and remarks: “It is a flagrane violation of the non-interference clause of the Anglo-Soviet agreement. The Soviet will regard any representations from the Britsh or any other Government as a hostile act, contradicting the principles of international intercourse, and will offer effective resistance to them.”

On the occasion referred to, Mr. Henderson said: “The reports current about the religious situation in Russia have caused widespread and deep concern in this and other countries. They are receiving the serious considerations of the British Government. “I have grave doubts whether the course suggested by the member would promote the object which he has in view. However, the House may rest assured that the Goyernment, when possible or compatible with the interests of those affected, will use all Its influence in support of the cause of religious liberty and the freedom of religious practice.” _