To the Editor of the "Nortx-Curna Datty News,"
Sir,—The article "Soviet Régime in Vladivostok" in one of your recent issues, in which Captain Allen's views are expounded, and Mr. ''Shanghailander's" letter, published in your issue of January 26, calls for a reply in the interests of truth.
With all respect-for Capt. Allen's views and his gift of observation, cannot but explain his extreme optimism as to the conditions now reigning in the Russian Far East and in Soviet Russia by mising formation. It is an extremely hard task for a foreigner who is not conversant with the psychology and tactics of the Communists gain an insight into the actual doings in Russia beyond the border. Only an intimate acquaintance with their methods, a thorough knowledge of the Russian life and language and_ intimate relations with the people would and could open a foreigner's eyes to the true state of affairs. The bolsheviki at present are more than anxious to. make a good impression upon the foreign audience in the East. Mr. Joffe und his. colleagues are doing their utmost to influence foreign public opinion. At Shanghai.alone there are two publications, one in Russian, the "New Shanghai Life" (Novaya eShanghayskaya—Jizn), and the other in English, the weekly -"New Russia," widely advertised, which try to shape public opinion in their favour.
To quote Mr. Allen's words "The stories of Red reprisals are false," and complete amnesty to. all adherents of the White cause has been granted." Myr. Allen must. have neglected to read the several acts of amnesty thus far published by the Soviet authorities. "Every one of them, without exception, contains clauses denying amnesty to all those who have fought in the ranks of the White armies and who. are "counter-revolutionaries."
Mr. Allen says further: The Soviet government has given every facility for refugees to return to their former homes, not only offering them free transportation but in addition raising no obstacles in the visaing of passports and other credentials." Are—these facts? No.—Mr. Allen mistook the forcible deportation of counterrevolutionaries from Vladivostok or a voluntary repatriation of refugees.
The real_ facts are such: soon after the Reds had completed a general registration of all those left at Vladivostok, a great many of the residents, mainly former officers of the White army, received orders. reading as follow: "The Primorian Provincial Military Commissariat.
Date and numb r of file. To former (follows panic and name).
You are herewith ordered to report immediately to the Chief of the Staif
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.