At an informal tea party at the Soviet Consulate General in Whangpoo Road yesterday afternoon M. Butkevich, "representative of the Soviet embassy in Tokyo voiced his satisfaction over the large number of Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians here who have responded to Soviet invitations for talks preparatory to their assumption of Soviet citizenship.
M. Butkevich arrived here recently on a mission of liquidating the national status of citizens of the three Baltic states following their incorporation into the Soviet Union. It is understood that no Soviet passports were issued to citizens of the Baltic states concerned, but the meetings so far have been of a preliminary nature. M. Butkevich explained that he was entrusted with the task of explaining to the people of the Baltic states the steps to be taken to. acquire Soviet citizenship which is being extended to all citizens of the three Baltic states mentioned.
In the Baltic states concerned the people automatically assume Soviet citizenship he said, whereas in China written application has to be made with the Soviet embassy in Tokyo where all passport formalities are attended to. Those desirous of acquiring Soviet citizenship it is understood, would have to send their passports to Tokyo. M. Butkevich stated that almost 100 per cent. of the citizens of the three Baltic states have responded to the invitation extended by him for, preparatory tali
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