New-York tribune., 1920-04-01
Martens Ready
ToQuit Z. S. il
Undesirable
Note to Colby Says He Will
Not Persist in Fr1lilless
Mission if Not Accept
able as 'Ambassador"
Is Certain of Nindication
Declares Failure to Open
Relations With Russia
Will Cost Valuable Trade

trc~. The Tr5'frfe WdshsRGfcr BHredn
WASHINGTON. March s1.-LuSwiy
c. A K Martens. Russia's Soviet AM
hassador" to the United States, will
vountarily quit this country Il the
State Department formally declares
nm 20 De unacceptable as ambassador,
and also states that the United States
: unwilling to establish friendly rea-
IONS with Soviet Russia
4 formal note to that effect was sent
by Martens to Secretary OF State Colby
,ais afternoon on returning to his hotel
rom the Labor Depa artment where pro
ceedings had Just been opened on the
warrant OF deportation issued against
him as dangerous alien
Following the dispatch Of the note
Martens issued a statement. in which
he expressed confidence the Senate in
vestigation of mis- activities would vim
dicate him from the charge OF partici-
rating IN propaganda urging the over
brow OF the American government, and
gave indirect warning that failure on
she part Of the United States TO open
relations with Russia would cost this
country valuable trade.
Up TO a late hour his note had no.
been received at the State Department
I, Is understood. however, it Will be
gnored. the position of the depa TT ment
being that Martens's status is not a
matter OF interest to the State Depart
ment. but the Department of Justice
and the immigration authorities, he
being IN the eyes of the government
simply German enemy alien who has
heen engaged in dangerous propaganda
activities.
Again Claims Diplomatic Immunity
Ever since Martens arrived in the
United States and sent his credentials
20 the State Department, he has been
endeavorng to get from that depart
mant some formal Acknowledgement of
his presence, or at least q definite
statement as 70 its future course with
respect to recognizing the present
regime in Russia.
Appearing with counsel this morning
81 closed preliminary hearing before
Acting Secretary OF Labor Post, Mar
tens fell back on his claim to dipo-
matte immunity and refused TO &C
knowledge the right OF the Federal au-
thoritles TO deal with him as subject
70 the provisions Of the alien deporta-
ton act. The lawyers with him were
former Senator Thomas W. Hardwick.
OF Georgia. Isaac A. Horwick. Of New
York. and Charles Recht, of New York
On account Of the Easter holidays II
was mutually agreed 70 postpone the
taking OF testimony until next Monday.
Martens indicating, however, that he
would insist on diplomatic immunity"
from the proceed ings.
In his note to the State Department.
whicn IS addressed to Secretary Of
State Colby. Martens calls attention to
The fact that although he had pre-
sented his credentials March l9, 1918,
as representative of the Russian So
olalist Federal Soviet Republic" not at
tention has ever been paid to the fact,
nor to his request for conference "to
discuss the establishment of friendly
relations between the United States
and Russia"
States His Mission in L. S.
During the tine re has waited for a
reply. the note states. Martens has
malntalned Offices Of his government in
New YORK and Washington, his mission
psing the attainment Of friendly dip
iomatic and economic relations" be
'Ween the Two countries. That his ac-
hv.tles have been "strictlv lawful and
proper" he says. "has been fully es-
'aoilshed throughout the lengthy in
r .esAga.ion 20 lich | have been sub
lee,ed ~ various local and Federal
BODIES He renews his protests agains,
me government raid on his Offices and
:ls arrest. declaring that American cit
Asns and officials in Russia, occupying
pos'ton SIMILAR TO that occupied in
me tinted States BY myself have beer
Fea,ed M With every consideration"
NY original letter OF March 10.
Wv nas remained unacknowledged By
ne department OF State" the note
. s:sys' ! have thus never been in
, -ormec o, the attitude taken toward
+, myself or my mission by the Depart
ment Of State. which. ! Understand. is
He nranch through which .he Presi-
ven. Of the United States expresses the
Tts!suae o. the government Of the
oh'tec States toward the accredited
representatives. Of other countries |
sssure you, sir, tha. my government
you'd not desire me to remain in this
couhtry 10 persist in a fruitless mis-
a.oh II the Department Of State would
norm ne ina. It does not desire nv
sssenes mere and does not consider
esyoIso1y me establishment Of friendly
plauohs WITH the government OF
tassia. n / an Informed to that e.
lscs ! shall be pleased to leave the
SAa,ea states as soon as facilities 10
..sc1 my country are placed at my dis
oenylng taas the intercepted mes
ayes recently selzed from a courier
.oIna from Russia 10 the United States
sao appealing y the American masses
Use IN revo.. against their govern
ush. a were inspired ov his government,
<.ens asks in the note to be in
'smed Of the circumstances Of their
.sR,ars II order that mis- government.
vi va. De able TO demonstrate 70 the
mpie'e satisfaction Of the govern-
aent and people Of the United states
nat It Rad no connection with the MAJ
'r In Question