RUSSIAN AFFAIRS

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16254, 3 July 1918, Page 7

RUSSIAN AFFAIRS

GERMANY PREPARING TO INTERVENE. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian arid N.Z. Cablo Association.) LONDON, June 30. German newspapers stdte that Germany is preparing to intervene in Russia on the pretext of restoring order with Maxima's! aid. THE EX-CZAR *S PATE. LONDON, June 30. The ex-Czar's fate remains doubtful. Unconfirmed reports declare that he is safe. DENIAL OF MURDER STORY. AMSTERDAM, June 30. Advices from Moscow via Berlin, dated June 24til, state that the President of the Ekaterinburg Soviet states that the rumours of the murder of the ex-Czar are lies designed to incite the public. The "Vossische Zeitung" announces that the Democratic leader, M. Miliukoff, formerJv Foreign Minister in Prince Lvbff's Cabinet, and the Octobrist leader, M. Gutchkoff, formerly Minister of War, have arrivfed at Harbin, and placed themselves at the head of the counter-revolutionarv movement. A Harbin correspondent confirms the report that Austrian'and German prisoners have occupietl Irkutsk. y GERMAN ADVANCE IN FINLAND. CnRISSI'IANIA. June 30. The "Tidcns Tegn" states that a body of Germans is advancing in the Passic V alley, on the Finnish-Norwegian frontier. Russian forces from Petchenka are engaging them. CONTROL OF BLACK SEA FLEET. (Retiter'a Telegrams.) AMSTERDAM, June 30. _ A Berlin semi-o|fipial message describing the events leading to the seizure of the Black Sea Fleet, alleges contravention of the peace treaty by the continued activity of the principal units which went to Novorossisk after the German occupation of Sevastopol. Acute differences o/ opinion aboard the ships lead to the Dreadnought Svobodnaja Rossa oeing torpedoed by the destroyer Tortseh, while several destroyers were forced to run ashore. However, the Dreadnought Volia and several modern destroyers returned to Sevastopol on June 19th, where the entire Black Sea Fleet is still fit for war purposes, and is now under German control.

AFFAIRS IN BRITAIN. SPLIT IN LABOUR PARTY. (Br Cable.—Press Associatiofi.—Copyright.) (Australian and IS'.Z. Csble Association.) LONDON, June 30. Two hundred delegates at a meeting in the Caxton Hall resolved on the formation of a distinct Labour Party for trade unionists. The chairman declared £he object of the party was to oppose pacifism among Labourites, though it was not hostile to tho Trade Union Congress. Mr Havelock Wilson (Seamen's Union) said the gathering did not include blacklegs or Bolsheviks, nor would any Kcrenskys dramatically appear on the platform. None of the Labour Ministers was present at tho inauguration of the new trade union party, but the Parliamentary Labour Party will immediately review the situation. Admittedlv. tho split is serious, indicating the growing trndo union opinion demanding that tho Labour Party shall shed its pacifist influences and declare its determination to have no dealings with Germany until the latter admits sho is beaten. The Sailors and Firemen's Union supports tho now party. THE POLITICAL TRUCE. LONDON, June 30. The spokesman of tho new Trade Union Party sharply donouncod the abolition of the party truce. >Ho declared that it was part of the programme of the non-ijnionists and pacifists, and its real intention was to remove the present Government and institute one which would sccure tho Lenin-Trotsky kind of peace. Mr Havelock Wilson described Ker-. ensky as "a most dangerous type of gasbag," who was responsible for Russia's present condition. THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC. ("The Times.") LONDON, June 30. The English influenza epidemic continues, and is assuming a virulent type. There havo been many deaths after a few hours' illness. Spanish influenza is spreading in London, according to a recent message to Australian files. It. is extremely contagious, and immediate isolation for five days is essential directly the lassitude, aching limbs, headaclie, catarrh, and higher temperature commence. Huts are being erected in some districts where the hospitals are crowded. MINERS' WAGES INCREASED. —. * (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, June 30. At a conference of tho executive of the Miners' Federation, tho Premier, the President of the Board of Trade, and the Coal Controller have conceded the miners an advance of oighteeripence per day as a war bonus. THEIR MAJESTY'S SILVER , WEDDING. - (Heater's Telegrams.) LONDON, June 30. thousand women, alter a pro* cession through London, presented an address of homage to the King and Queen, on the occasion of their silver wedding. Tho lung paid a tribute to the splendid war services of the women. OIL FROM FRUIT STONES. (Austvr.Hs'i and N.Z. Cablo Association.) LONDON, June 30. The National Salvage Council ap« Eeals to householders, managers oi otels and institutions, and others, tc save fruit stones and kernels f<?r th« extraction of the oil for munition purposes. GERMAN BANKS TO BE CLOSED. LONDON, June 30.. It is announced that the Government has at last decided to closo entirely the German banks in London.