Great Falls daily tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1895-1921, 1920-01-31
SOV|ETS TRADING
WITH 941 FIRMS
IN U.s.; BAN NIL
$4,5OO,OOO Printing
Press Order Among
Contracts; Martens to
Turn Over Correspond
ence, Conditioned on
Secrecy.

Washington, Jan. 30.-How the
courlers OF soviet Russia, carrying funds
to finance its propaganda in America,
ment in the surrounding states Of
Europe, was q story begun but abandon
ed half-told, by Ludwig G. A. X. Martens,
soviet agent in the United States, before
the senate foreign relations sub-com-
mittee investigating Russian propaganda.
Martens declined to answer further
questions put him by the committee on
the subject. Of couriers. and left, it to
diplomatic immunity from further
examination should be allowed, while he
went on to recount his personal activ-
ities in endeavoring to get his govern
ment recognized by the state depart
ment and in placing provisional con-
tracts for $4,000, 600 worth of food.
colthing and machinery. with American
said, had resulted in placing two or
three letters before President Wilson.
urging recognition, although the state
department has remained firm in its
refusal to recognize him in any way.
Hoped to Break ia Big Business.
You depended on the relations open
ed with American business concerns to
help you get recognition?' Chairman
Moses asked.
Yes" Martens replied. adding that he
knew OF many letters and representations
leans friendly to the soviet government.
speaking particularly of ''at least two"
which went to President Wilson from
individuals, who, he intimated, would
likely obtain hearing.
An offer to present to the senate com
mittee investigating bolshevik propaganda
in the United States true copies Of all
Russian government was made by
Martens Former Senator Hardwick.
of Georgia, Martens attorney. said.
however, that it was desired that
some Of the letters be considered
IN executive session, as they, might
in trouble. He explained that he
referred to those who assisted in main
tanning the communication between the
eelf-styled ambassador and the soviet
chiefs in Russia. Chairman Moses re-
served decision AS to an executive
session.
Il want to take up with you the mat
concerns with which Martens said soviet
Russia could transact business" said the
chairman. eve asked for list Of those
concerns which have contracts with Mr.
Martens and for the amounts and com
modities involved. You gave us list
Of concerns which were willing to do
b, siness."
Mr.. Hardwick then presented state
ment Of contracts, showing eight items.
the largest contract for 81 5000 Of
printing presses given the Lehigh
machine company. Lehighton, Pa.
All the contracts. Martens explained
were conditional upon the state depart
ment issuing export licenses to the firms
mentioned.
Il have made no paymens on these
contracts except small ones to the
extent Of $1O,OoO." Martens said. 'They
were orders rather than contracts
As he was unable to ship goods TO
Russia, Martens said, the comparatively
small quantities delivered to him had
been stored.
Questioned as to how he received his
funds, Martens said couriers were sent
from Moscow several times month"
"Were they interrupted often?"
Chairman Moses asked
Several were caught and shot in
Finland" the witness said. '.and others
were captured in Germany