THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16159, 13 March 1918, Page 8

THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

THE PEACE TREATY. A MATTER OF EXPEDIENCY. (By Cable.—Press Association.; —copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON. March 11. During a debate in the Bolshevik Congress. Lenin insisted that it was useless to .flourish a cardboard sword before Hindenburg. J "I will sign any treaty," lie said, which will enable us to prepare for a new strugglo. A provisional peace will save war material, ' which is indispensable for a future strugglo." SUPPORT FROM AMERICA. .OTTAWA, March 11. President Wilson sent a message conveying America's sympathy and support to the Congress of Soviets at Moscow, and added: "The Germans are attempting to neutralise Russia's struggle for freedom. Although. America is now unable to render direct and effective aid, she will tako the opportunity to assist Russia to secure complete sovereignty and independence. America thoroughly supports the Russian people in their attempt to free themselves from autocratic government." NEW GOVERNMENT FORMED. LONDON, March 11. ' The Petrograd correspondent of the '• Daily News" says that Prince Lvoff (formerly Premier of Russia) has caused a sensation in Petrograd. He has constituted a new Government, and will accompany the Japaneso invasion into Siberia. Tho Bolsheviks are trying to rouse Siberia to resist tho invasion. The "Pravda," commenting on the Position, says :—This means war with. apan. Russia's former Allies are agreed on Japanese intervention, except America, which is trying to modify the Allies' policy of vengcance. PEACE'TREATY RATIFIED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received March 12th, 7.15 p.m.) PETROGRAD, March 11. The Smolny Institute (the Bolshevik headquarters) reports that Prince Lvoff, an ex-Premier, has formed a Government in the Far East. He is now in Peking, awaiting Japanese help to enter Vladivostock. The "Pravda" states that the Soviets are hurriedly mobilising to resist the new Government. The Bolshevik Party Congress approved of the ratification of the peace treaty by 30 votes to 12. . It is officially announced that the .evacuation of Petrograd hurriedly con-

tinues. All metal stocks are being removed. • ANTI-JEWISH MEASURES. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Admiralty per Wireless Pres«. (Received AXarch 12th, 7.T0 p.m.) BERNE. March 11. A Petrograd message states that the Government ha.s ordered the suppression of all Jewish newspapers in Russia, and the arrest of their editorial staffs; aho the president of the Organising Committee of the Russian Jewish Congress which was convened to most in Petrograd. GERMANS AT THE AALANDS. (United Serric?.) PETROGRAD. March 11. Germany has telegraphed to the Bolsheviks that tho Aaland Islands landing was approved by Sweden. THE IRON HEEL. OTTAWA, March 11. The United Press Petrograd correspondent states that it is reported that the Germans are persecuting inhabitants of the occupied territory in Finland. The newspapers have been suppressed and the workmen's organisations dispersed. Many inhabitants are reported to have been executed in Esthonia. t Heavy German forces are advancing towards Novo Zibokoff, which the Russians are preparing to defend. PANIC IN ODESSA. ("The Time®.") (Received March 12th, 9.30 p.m.) PETROGRAD, March 11. Trotzky's resignation of the Conimissionership of Foreign Affairs was duo to Bolshevik quarrels regarding the peace terms. M. ShernofF, Minister for Trade, and 31. Loinoff, Chairman of the Supreme Economic Council, have also resigned. It is reported from Odessa that '-lie expected aggression of Austrian forces has caused a panic among the population, who are hastily organising defence measures.