THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16145, 25 February 1918, Page 7

THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

GERMANY'S ULTIMATUM. FINAL TERMS FOR RUSSIA. The High Commissioner reports: — LONDON. February 23. Russia announces that .the Gorman terms demand: — (1) Courland, Livonia, and Esthonia; The abandonment of the Ukraine and Finland ; The disarmament, of all warships in Russian seas; (1) Indemnities. and (o) Acceptance of the ultimatum within -l-S hours. PEACE NEGOTIATIONS REN E WED (Keuter's TolecTflms.) (Received February 25th. 12.59 a.m.) NEW YORK.. February 24. Germany has renewed peace negotiations witli Russia. BOLSHEVIKS' ABJECT SUBMISSION.

(liy Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and X.Z. Cablo Association.) (Received February 2ith. 5.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, February 23. A Russian courier delivered in Berlin a message of submission signed by Trotzky and Lenin, da tod Wednesday. Tho courier returned cmpty-liandcd, l.pwever, Germany intimating that a period may elapso beforo a reply will bo ready, beeauso Horr von Kuhlmann had gone to Bucharest, and was unable to givo his attention to the matter. In the meantime the invasion proceeds. TROTZKY AS PEACEMAKER. (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) PETROGRAD, Fobruary 23. Trotzky has gone to Dvinsk for the purpose of stopping the new hostilities. He carries Russia's reply to Germany's demands, but it is expected that Germany will now insist on Russia's nonintervention in the Ukraine, the stoppage of civil war with the Ukraine, non-intervention in Finland, and che withdrawal of all Russian troops from Finland. PETROGRAX>'S FATE. (Received February 24th. 5.5 p.m.) PETROGRA Dj February 22. It is reported that Germany will occupy Petrograd until Russia gives guarantees of peace, also a 30 years' trade treaty. FURTHER GERMAN DEMANDS EXPECTED. NEW YORK, February 22. The Petrograd correspondent of tho "New York World" states that the , opinion of Bolshevik headquarters is that th 9 Germans -will add new and harsher conditions before peace terms are signed. GERMAN'S HUGE MAW. AMSTERDAM, February 22. Germany regards the proposals which she made at Brest Litovsk annulled. It is believed that she is now determined to demand the whole of the Baltic coast, including possession of tho Russian Baltic Fleet. „ The Germans imposed a levy on War. saw of 250,000 marks, as punishment for tho recent disorders. THE GERMAN ADVANCE MINSK OCCUPIED. (Ecutcr'a Telegrams.) (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Fobruary 23. A German official report states: — "Wo occupied Hapsal, in Esthonia. "The first Esthonian regiment placed itself at the disposal of the German command. "Wo advanced beyond lionncburg, Wolmar, and Spanuau, and entered Iticzitza amidst the rejoicings of the mnabitants. From thero we advanceu to Luizin, and occupied Minsk. "Oiu- assistance to tiie Ukraine in its struggle for fieedom is progressing. We have junetioned with Ukrainian octaciiments at Novograd and Voiynsk. Other columns arc murcning to tJubo.' 1 Minsk is about 50 miles behind tho olu Oatt.e-iront, near tne centre of tue Russian lino. it is situated at tne junction of the Moscow-Warsaw and ui bull-Kharkov railways. FURTHER TOWNS OCCUPIED. (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) Telegrams.) (Received February 25th, 12.50 a.m.) LONDON, February 24. A Gorman official report states:— '•Our troops in Esthonit, pressing eastward, occupied Wary, in Livonia, and Dubno. AN ADVANCE OF 50 MILES. (Kcuter's Telegrams.) (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) PETROGRAD', Fobruary 23. The enemy has advanced 50 miles on tho whole front. Aeroplanes are dis- i tributing leaflets, advising calmness on ! the jjart of the inhabitants, and adding j that tho Germans will bring a restoration of order; also food. The advance has not been resisted anywhere. Forty thousand troops seized 27 trains and fled back to Moscow. The Germans are not taking prisouors, merely disarming the Bolsheviks, who are at their wits' end. The majority of the civilians are praying for the Germans To reach the city before the anarchists kick over tho traces. The British Consulate is crowded. All residents, especially women and children. have been warned to leave immediately. KAISKK TO ESTHOWIA. (Australian and I.'.Z. Cable Association.) (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) 'AMSTERDAM, February 22. The Kajser received a telegram from i:;c Lubeck Senate, asking for assistance to be sent to the people of Esthonia. Tho Kaiser replied: "The word# of

the Senate are re-echoed profoundly front ray heart. Your desperate cry f° r help will not bo unanswered. RvgoKHl' measures will be taken against the gangs of marauders and to end a situation of complete anarchy." WITH THE RUSSIANS BOLSHEVIKS ORDER RESISTANCE. PETROGRAD, February, 22. The Bolsheviks have issued a proclamation ordering the Russians to resist tho German advance. ARMY IN HEADLONG FLIGHT. ("The Timt*.") (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) PETROGRAD, February 23. The Bolsheviks on tho north-wester® Headquarters Staff have fled to Smolny, abandoning touch with theii' armies. It is reported that tho Russian position on tho northern front is critical owing to the disorderly retirement blocking the roads. With a view to relieving the situation, the Commissaries aro despatching Red Guards from detachments not yet entirely disorganised. Tho eneuiv has occupied the entire first line of the northern front on tho Dvina, and is moving towards Volmar, and endeavouring to cut off Rcral. The Russian commander on tho west front has ordered the retiring armies not to tight but to destroy all ammunition, pending Germany's formal reply to Trotzky. NEW ARMY SUGGESTED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) PETROGRAD, February 22. The Board of the Petrograd Council of Army Commissaries discussed Germany's refusal of the Russian peace offer. Tho Council is preparing defenco schemes, notably the doyelopment of a new army. Tho old army's position is considered to be hopeless; nevertheless Bolshevik influence in the Council is increasing. The majority of the Bolsheviks oppose a holy war and favour Lenin' 3 attitude. Reliable reports state that ten German transports sailed from Danzig on February 20th and steamed northwards. A naval squadron also quitted Libau and sailed northwards. Tho Council of Commissaries has issued a manifesto which declares that the Republic is imperilled. It appeals to all citizens to enrol for the defenco of the revolution, and warns the Soviets to defend the Russian positions to the last drop of blood. Railways must be destroyed and the rolling stock and locomotives removed eastwards. Tho people have been ordered to raise battalions to construct defences about the cities and towns. Lawless elements must be expelled, and army discipline firmly maintained. The bourgeoisie must onlist or be shot at sight. SCHEMES FOR DEFENCE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received Fobruary 24th, 5.5 p.m.) PETROGRAD, February 23. A special Military General Staff of five has been appointed. It has resolved to mobilise the whole of the able-bodied men, and confiscate all property necessary for defensive purposes. Martial ]aw has been established. Ensign Krylenko, in a proclamation, states that the struggle continues not for certain peace terms, but to end the Soviets' power. Germany is unable to tlu-ow large armies against Russia, only small detachments of from 1000 to 2500. Enpign Krylenko appeals for small detachments to oppose the invader and check his., forward movement. The Foreign Embassies are preparing to leave. GUERRILLA WARFARE PROPOSED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Aaaociation.) (Reuter'a Telegram*.) (Received Fobruary 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 23. A Russian official report states:— "Ensign Krylenko has ordered a revolutionary mobilisation for guerrilla warfare in every street, village, and town if the Germans refuse* to conclude peace. 1 SIDELIGHTS ON THE SITUATION.(Aiiatralian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, February 22. The Russians, in panic, have evacu* ated Reval and Pskoff. The Bolsheviks hastily considered a scheme for defending Petrograd, atd assembled at the Council table t but they learned that the available guns were in an appalling condition, essential parts being missing, in consequence of tho activities of German agents in the early days of tho revolution. Troops were ordered' to dig trenches outside tho capital, but super-counsels prevailed, with the realisation that the city can easily be starved, as the Germans command the railway system. The Allied Embassies are besieged by anxious enquirers, who are being informemd that their departure has been arranged for only in the event of the Germans reaching Petrograd. It is reported that 45 German warships are steaming towards Reval, where troops ai"e landing. The Moscow correspondent of tho "Daily Chronicle" says that he las conversed with Austrian and German prisoners, roaming tho streets. He found them dejected and indignant. They desire to return to their homes, but they were not permitted to go through their own front, being s»mt back under a promise that they would return • ia Finland, which route is now closed owing to the upheaval there. There are 1100 Austrians and Germans living in railway trucks at the Moscow station. Thev are penniless, and dependent on the Bolsheviks' charity for food and drink. The Petrograd correspondent of the "Morning Post" expresses the opini-jn that pestilence and famine will keep Russian soil safe from German inroads long enough to enable the Allies cn •' the West front to deal with the common enemy. The announcement of unconditional surrender was a stunning blow to the public. The Germans are making the most of their opportunity, with lightning dashes into helpless Hussia. Thousands of army horses recently starved to death, the soldiers selling the forage to pay their ambling debts. The con- ; dition of the" ftusxiau railways has for . long been deplorable. The Germans j i are gaiuing enormous booty and fight-V • ing materia!. They eapturecl at Dvinsk sufficient food for a quarter of a million men for three weeks, also 30,000 tons of sugar. COO locomotiyes, an\l lOfiO waggons. The German invading forces,_ which have already overrun tho entire war zone 100 miles deep, consist r - one division of cavalry or. The Polish legions'

t on condition that they were j*iven free] passage in any direction. 'Ihey rrc making towards Warsaw. Bolsnevik party meetings have devel- | op oil indignation towards Trotzky, who ! will probably resign. Eeval is a strongly fortified port at tlx? entrance to the Gulf of Finland, L'OO miles west of Petrograd. Pskoff is 171 miles south-west of Petrograd, and about half-way between the capital end Riga. THE RUSSIAN FLEET. ICEBOUND AND HELPLESS. (Iteuter'a Telegrams.) .Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 23. The rapidity of the German advance in Picval will decide the fate of the Russian Baltic Fleet, which is icebound there, and also the Helsingfors fleet, , : the crews of which have deserted. The fleets include four Dreadnoughts, seven big cruisers, and (U destroyers. The capture of the big ships will not affect British superiority, but the destroyers will prove most useful to Germany. i It is expected thot she •would attempt to secure tho Russian Black Sea fleet, but the Allies would mine the Dardanelles. FLEET MAY BE DESTROYED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) : (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) PETROGRAD, February 23. Disorganisation of the Navy is irremediable. Tho majority of the crews oppose an active defence. Some demand their immediate discharge. $ - The situation at Reval is tragic. The -j authorities desire to remove the warships to Kronstadt, but the ice prei vents them. Similar conditions prevail | at Helsingfors. The authorities aro considering whether they ought to dej stroy the warships if it is impossible to i intern them in Finland as neutral terri- .] tory. The Council of Commissaries has j ordered tho evacuation of Finland. THE STRUGGLE IN FINLAND. ("The Times.") (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) 1 PETROGRAD, February 22. Tho Red Guards are gradually concentrating on Tammerfors. They are pressed on all sides by the White Guards, who are seizing important junctions with a view to cutting Tanjrnerfors off from Helsingfors. A decisive battle is expected near Vilpall for the mastery of middle Finland. Russian aviators are dropping leaflets inciting the population. Pctrograd is greatly agitated at the report that a German officer, instructed by Berlin, is assisting the White Guards. This is regarded as treachery. The Commissaries have ordered the retiring troops to destroy everything. Thus more frightful devastation has been committed in the already ruined country, but the Germans can easily occupy Petrograd. ' A roport from Haparanda states that four vessels have arrived from Gery many, bringing, provisions for the German volunteers, also Finnish cavalry, which formerly served Germany, and 100,000 rifles and a large quantity of field and machine-guns. A strong offensive is expected towards Viborg and Tammerfors. Tho Red Guards at Viborg are receiving further large reinforcements of guns and armoured cars. • THE ALLIES' ATTITUDE. h / PROMPT INTERVENTION URGED. (United ■ Servioe.) (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 22. The Paris correspondent of the ' T>aily News" states: —French official circles are gravely concerned about the situa-' tion in Russia. They have urged speedy Allied action, otherwise Germany will obtain such gigantic power as to menace the independence of Europe. News from . Russia is extremely ! sombre. The correspondent of the] "Daily Express" in Petrograd Teports that the Germans have already occupied Hapsal. Lenin and Trotzky are trying to resuscitate the half-demobil-ised army, but it is a degenerate rabble dnd has no fighting spirit left. The Bolsheviks are -withdrawing the army from Finland. f JAPAN MAY INTERVENE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) TOKIO, February 22. - The menace of the German capture' of ; Petrograd, is exciting the closest attention, in view of the imminence of the complete German domination of Russia. • There is special significance in the presence of Japanese warships at Vladivostock. _ 'Japanese assistance has hitherto been purely naval and .financial, but it may shortly take another form, because a continued advance would probably give the Germans control-of the trans-Sibe-rian railway. ROUMANIAN AFFAIRS. SPEEDY PEACE PREDICTED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.} (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, February 22. According to Vienna newspapers, i ! peace with Roumania is likely to be | speedily attained, on conditions favour-, j able to all parties.

Negotiations will open on Sunday or Monday. The Central Powers arc particularly desirous of obtaining maritime communication with the Ukraine *ia the Danube estuary, therefore they will endeavour to promote a rapid and friendly agreement with Roumania. imposing most moderate terms.