RUSSIAN DELEGATES REPLY TO GERMAN PEACE TERMS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 82, 31 December 1917, Page 5

RUSSIAN DELEGATES REPLY TO GERMAN PEACE TERMS

THE ALLIES TO BE APPROACHED COLLAPSE OF BREST LITOVSK CONFERENCE PROBABLE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ' Amsterdam, December 28. The Russian delegates have replied to the German peace terras, expressing gladness at the acceptance by the Central Powers of "no annexation" and a "democratic peace," but not at their reserve regarding the liberation of subject races. Russia proposes the creation of a special commission to.study the question of the colonies, and deciding on their status. Russia will ask fer a suspension of the negotiations until January 4, to enable the other belligerents to consider the proposals, with a view to joining _in the pourparlers, which will then be resumed whether the other countries participate in them or not.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A SEPARATE PEACE GROWING MORE. IMPROBABLE. New York, December 28. The Petrograd correspondent of the "Chicago Daily News" states that peace negotiations at Brest Litovsk appear _ doomed to collapse. A separate peace between Germany and Russia is growing more improbable.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ALLIES'TO BE ASKED THEIR INTENTIONS. (Rec. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) . ; Petrograd, December 29. Trotsky, addressing the Soviet' Executive, said: "Russia will insist.that self-government apply to tho territories and colonies seized in the war and to Alsace-Lorraine. The German colonies must be given their choice. Seeing that Germany has declared her readiness to free occupied territories, tho Allies cannot refuse to negotiate, and must clearly state their programme." He proposed officially to ask whether the Allies intended to support the Russian .or the German peace programmo s, or propose an alternative. TJnlass tho Allies joined the negotiations with in ten days Russia would be forced to conclude a separate peace.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

RIGHTS OF SMALL NATIONS MUST BE RESTORED RUSSIANS MAINTAINING DEMAND FOR NO ANNEXATIONS. (Reo. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) Petrograd, December 29. The "Daily News" Petrograd correspondent states that the Russian reply to the Central Powers, referring to small nationalities, says: "The war cannot finish unless the'scorned rights of these nations are restored. The Russian delegation insists that tliese nations receive in the text of tins peace treaty a guarantee that their lawful rights will be guarded." The "Daily News" adds: ""We cannot help being struck by the maimer in which the Russians maintained their demand for no annexations. It seems that tho Central Powers are prepared to begin negotiations. Certainly the Russians were astonished at the enemy's terms. Few dreamed such a thing could happen. If the Bolsheviki convene a Constituent Assembly wo feel snro they will have Russia solidly behind them."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RESOURCES OF RUSSIA ABSOLUTELY RUINED. London. December 28. The "Morning Post's" Petrograd correspondent states that the Financial Commissary's report-on Russia's finances shows that after six weeks of administration the Bolsheviki are forced to admit that the resources of the State are absolutely mined. No State imposts have been coming in, and the railways have ceased to be a source of income, and all sources of income have dried up.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PRIVATE BANKS TO BE NATIONALISED. (Reo. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) petrograd, December 29. The Central Executive of the Soviet has decreed the nationalisation of the private hanks and that the gold coin and bullion shall ho confiscated. The middle-class savings will be safeguarded.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FINLAND WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE BOLSHEVIK GOVERNMENT. (Rec. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) Petrograd, December 29. Finland has refused to acknowledge the Bolshevik Government, and will only accept the Constituent Assembly's decisions. The States are prepared to face war. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. JAPAN REFUSES TO RECOGNISE THE BOLSHEVIKI. Tokio, December 28. It is officially stated that Japan will not recognise the Bolsheviki. It is also reported that the United States has asked Japan to intercept all steamers carrying war supplies to Vladivostok.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CENTRAL POWERS HOPING FOR FOOD SUPPLIES FROM RUSSIA. Amsterdam, December 28. Negotiations have begun for the restoration of traffic between Russia and Austria and Germany. The Central Powers hope to obtain food supplies from Russia to save their critical situation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMAN FLEET LEAVING RUSSIAN COAST. (Rec. December 30, 5.5 p.m.) Petrograd, December 29. The German Fleet on the Russian coast is returning to Kiel and Dan-zig.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.