In an unexpected move the Soviet Embassy here refused to issue a visa to a Canadian Jewish journalist who had been accredited to Prime Minister Pierre Eliott Trudeau’s press delegation for his first Russian good will tour, it was reported here. Milton Winston, a law graduate, teacher and free-lance journalist who is active in Jewish community affairs, was to have joined the press corps representing the “Jewish Standard,” a Toronto-based magazine. Winston, the sole representative of the Jewish press was the only journalist who was denied a visa by the Russian government. Despite a three-day flurry of negotiations the refusal was maintained. No official explanations were given. Winston stated that the refusal of granting him a visa can only be explained in terms of the persecution of Jews in the Soviet Union and the “inhumane” trial of nine Jews in Leningrad. “I hope no one is fooled by the Russian explanations of their treatment of Jews,” he said. “If they refuse to allow one Jewish press reporter into Russia accompanying the Prime Minister of Canada, it certainly points out their attitude and policy towards Jews.” Trudeau is scheduled to visit Leningrad, the scene of the trials, May 27th. His 10-day tour ends May 28.
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