Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-05-09

london, May S-(By A. P.)-The
British note TO the Russian Soviet
government. the text of which was
issued tonight by the foreign office,
;e virtual ultimatum. The Soviet
ID given ten days in which to for
ward a reply complying fully and
unconditionally with certain speci-
sed demands. failing which, the note
saws Great Britain will recognize
that the Soviet does not wish to
maintain the existing relations be-
tween the two governments.
The demands specified in the note
are. first satisfactory assurances
concerning propaganda: secod. ad-
mission by the Soviet of liability for
various offenses against British sub
iects and ships, with an understand
ing to pay compensation for these
offenses and, third. uneqNivocal
withdrawal of the two communica-
tons framed by the Soviet govern
ment in reply to the protests handed
to the Moscow foreign office by the
British representative. Robert NJ.
Hodgson, in connection with the re-
cent religious prosecutions.
Abiding to the Soviet's refusal to
recognize the British protests
against the trials of the various
church dignitares. including Arch
bishop Zepliak and the executed vi
car general. Monsignor Butchka-
witch, the note says:
when it is remembered that this
Is only the latest incident in the long
series of studied affronts which have
been recorded in this memorandum
II seems difficult to arrive at my
other conclusion than that the So
Wet government either is convinced
that the British government will ac-
cept any Insult sooner than break
with Soviet Russia. or that they de
sire themselves to bring the rela-
tons created by the trade agreement
to an end"
The note. which is very lengthy.
was handed to the Soviet govern
ment today by Mr.. Hodgson. One
Of its most striking passages reads:
1T is time the Soviet government
should be made aware that il cannot.
with impunity. behave toward British
subjects and British shipping in this
lntolerable manner
AT the outset the document declares
that the tone and character Of the re-
cent notet received from the Soviet
government have imposed upon His
Majesty's government the duty. per-
haps already too long delayed. OF con-
sldering carefully and Seriatim. in re-
ation to this large number of incl
dents whether it is deSira bic. or indeed
possible. that the relations of the two
governments should remain any longer
upon so anomalous and indeed UNI
precedentod footing. and whether His
Majesty's government can. with due
sef-respcct. continue to ignore the re-
peated challenges which the Soviet gov
ernment has thought fit with apparent
oeliheration TO throw down."
The note specifically states that the
British government has no intention of
emoarking upon a council with the So
Wet concerning the accuracy of its
charges which 1t asserts rest upon
unimpeachable authority"
The note refers to the prosecution of
religious dignltarieS. in regard to
which il saws:
his MajestE's government has re-
framed from expressing an opinion
upon the nature or validity of the
charges brought against these eccles-
sstS. sentencing that that is q mat
Ier on which they are not called upon
70 pronounce Furthermore. it adds.
no attempt has been made in Russia it.
sell to deny that the prosecutions and
executions are part of a deliberate
eahpaign. the definite object of which
Is 10 destroy all religion in the coun-
ny and enthrouc the image of god
!cSSneSS' in it's Mace