SOVIET RUSSIA.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17107, 31 March 1921, Page 7

SOVIET RUSSIA.

THE KRONSTADT RISING.

CONCESSIONS TO POEEIGN CAPITALISTS.

(By Oaile—Press Association—Copyright) ("The

HELSIXGFORS. March 29

An official dispatch, dealing with events leading to the Kronstadt revolt, disposes of the theory that it was precursory to a countryside revolt against the Leninites, and declares that whilst the anti-Rods endeavoured to exploit the opportunity, the outbreak was solely engendered by malcontent sailors from purely selfish motives. While many have been engaged in many campaigns, the sailors had spent a life of sloth and pleasure. The Government's desire to enforce discipline similar to that in the army provoked them to rebel, with the sole object of perpetuating a privileged existence. The fact that, notwithstanding; the country was seething with discontent, they were unsuccessful, demonstrates that Lenin's star has not yet waned. _ It is reported that revolutionaries captured Minsk on March Bth. The army joined the rebels and formed a democratic republic. Insurgent peasants surrounded Kicff. The Communists within the city are adopting terrorising measures. iAustralian and N.Z. Cable Association.) i PETROGRAD, March- 29. The Social Revolutionaries and the Monshoviks. to whom Lenin was recently reported to bo. malting overtures with a view to the formation of a Coalition, are demanding the immediate summoning of a Constituent Assembly. PARIS, March 29. The "Matin" asserts that the Soviet Government, in order to provide the credits which Lenin needs, is allocating practicallv • the whole of the natural wealth of Russia to foreign capitalists, including the forests, coal, lead, iron, platinum, and vast agricultural areas. Only 300,000.000 gold roubles remain out of the gold reserve. The looting of the Russian Treasury is therefore practically finished. I The secret concessions to German and British firms include timber concessions to Herr Hugo Stinnes over Siberian territory one and a half times as big as France. Herr Stinnes has undertaken ■ to construct a great system of electric railways through the forests. The "Matin'' presumes that the Allies will not agree to this method of disposing of Russia's natural wealth to the detriment of Russia's early credi- . tora.

THE EAST SIBERIAN REPUBLIC.

WASHINGTON, March 29. The State department has announrcd that the American Eegation at Peking has received a communication from tno far Eastern Republic in Siberia, asking for recognition by the United States. It is learned that the communication will be ignored for the present.