RADEK’S ADMISSION.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 342, 25 January 1937, Page 5

RADEK’S ADMISSION.

MURDER OF KIROV. Had Participated In Planning Terrorist Acts. Press Association —Copyright. Received 11 a.m. Moscow, January 24. At the resumption of the trial Karl Radek admitted his participation in planning terrorist acts. He told of a number of persons whom he had personally selected for the task and how he had been kept fully informed of the existence of terrorist groups throughout the country. In reply to Vishinsky, the prosecutor, he said: "Yes, I admit my guilt in the murder of Kirov.” He also admitted receiving a letter from Trotsky brought by Romm, former correspondent in Washington, U.S.A., for the Izvestia,'informing him of the underground bloc and terrorist programme adopted. Trotsky made it plain he was aware that Radek’s reported recantation was only a tactical act and that Radek rejoined the Communist Party only because he could fight the regime more effectively from within. ( Radek revealed that soon after his return to the Soviet Union he was approached by Trotsky and the Centre leaders, and became an active force in the group known as the “Second Line of Defence.”