GERMANY AND THE BOLSHEVIKI

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 129, 18 February 1918, Page 5

GERMANY AND THE BOLSHEVIKI

PEACE NOT YET CONCLUDED

ABOUT UKRAINE FOOD STOCKS

Amsterdam, February 15. A Berlin report of the final scene at Brest Litovsk alleges that Dr. von Kuhlmann stated that peace has not been concluded with Russia, and tlie armistice has ended; therefore war must be recommenced. The Vienna Press advises the Central Powers to provide the Ukraine with military assistance for the defence of the grain stocks and the railway junctions against the Bolsheviki. An inspired statement in the Austrian Press explains that the shortage of food necessitated a peaco with the Ukraine, and this could only be reached by the cession of Kholm.—Aus.JS'.Z. Cable Assn. ,

A CLEAR ANSWER-OR WAR A GAIN,

Paris, February 15,

The Paris "Matin's" Zurich correspondent states that it is formally confirmed that if Trotsky, does not give Germany a clear answer as lo whether he wants war or peace, German troops will inarch on Roval and Petro-grad.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GERMANS CONSIDER THEMSELVES FREE TO RENEW THE WAR

(Rec. February 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, February 10.

It is reported that at a German military and political conference it was decided that in view of M. Trotsky's ovasion Germany was quite free to renew the war against Russia. The first operation will probably lie in support of the Ukraine. One well-informed authority states that M. Irotsky returned to Petrograd and told the people that he had eclevorly avoided the German conditions, but that the.Gcrman troops would follow him.—United Service. .

GERMAN COMMISSIONERS LEAVE PETROGRAD

(Reo. February 17, 11.20 p.m.)

London, February 16. There are indications that Germany is preparing a move against the Bolshfeviki All the German Commissioners have left Petrograd.—Beuter.

WAITING THE EXCUSE AND THE OPPORTUNITY.

(Kec. February 17, 5.5 p.m.)

Amsterdam, February 15. All reports from Germany suggest that the Government is seeking the excuse and the opportunity to reattack Northern Russia, in order to ensure peace in the Ukraine, which will secure supplies of wheat. Inspired messages to this effect have been published in the German newspapers.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn. AN EXAMPLE. (Rec. February 17, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, February 15. The "Volks Zeitung" claims to have positive knowledge that the Bolsheviki are concentrating troops for the purpose of menacing the authority of the Ukraine.—"The Times."

AND ANOTHER

(Reo. February 17, 5.5- p.m.)

Amsterdam, February 16. The Ukrainian R-ada has sent a wireless message to the effect that Kieff is being attacked ou all sides, and that a fierce battle is proceeding. Tho Rada. appeals for military and technical assi stance. The Central Powers aro sending a military guard to occupy tho most important ports and harbours.—Beuter.

POSSIBILITIES OF SURPRISE FOR THE TEUTONS

(Rec. February 17, 5.5 p.m.)

' London, February 16. A special dispatch says that recent Russian developments are full of possibilities of surprise and serious embarrassment to the Central Powers. The dissolution of the old Russian peril deprives the artificial Austro-German unity of its former impelling force. Austria is desperately anxious for peace, and now, no longer sharing in the common antagonism, may break away from German control and cease to set herself against the natural development of the Slav races. The Austrian internal position is already perilous, owing to a determined and probably permanent Slav union against the Government. Beneath the masterful , German announcements of tho threats of tho anti-Bol-sheviki are signs of nervousness and hcsHstion. Reports from Vienna state that the Austrians are puzzled by tho possible ramifications of the Bolshevik policy. It is supposed that M. Trotsky will expect that the Central Powers do not intend to attack Russia. The latter can then afford to await the results of the Western offensive. Germany's remedy for the Polish situation is awaited with the keenest interest. Tho newspapers are divided. Some are bellicose while others are fearful of the ultimate outcome.—United Service.

PEACE REPORTS RIDICULED

WHAT THE LATEST BOLSHEVIK ARRIVALS IN LONDON SAY

(Rec. FeVruajy 17, 5.5 p.m.)

London, February 15.

The latobt Bolshevik arrivals from Russia ridicule tho peace reports. Thej declare that tho Ukraine Iladn is thoroughly impotent. Thn Soviets now'control all the big towns of the Ukraine, .-irnl the Llolshuviki, while demobilising the regulars, will organise extensive forces for guerrilla wnrfiire in the event of the Austto-Goimniis attempting hostilities. Nieif ;ml lYtrngrad will henceforth net conjointly, corresponding while treating. Germainis anxious to prevent Russian news reaching the outside world, and thence percolating the Central Empires. The Germans have severed .thi , direct cable between Petrograd and Sweden, and pnclii/ally all liussimi neu.s is ::u.r edited in Berlin —"The Times."