WITHIN A FEW HOURS OF PETROGRAD

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 138, 28 February 1918, Page 5

WITHIN A FEW HOURS OF PETROGRAD

CITY IN A FERMENT

MORE ABOUT THE GERMAN TERMS

By Telegraph-Press Aeeociatiou-Copsrisht London, February 26. The Germans are within a few hours' march of Petrograd. The city has been thrown into a ferinent in view of its threatened occupation by the Germans. The Soviet ordered the enrolment of workmen between the ages of 18 and 50 in the Red Aimy for a holy war. Rmolny has been changed into a military camp, the workmen assembling en masse. The English and American Embassies have left.

The absence of the newspapers brought thousands into the streets to learn the news, but there waa no panic. Speculation is rife as to whether the Germans are sending Germanised Russian bands to Petrograd as saviours of society, with the Duke of Hesse, brother of the ex-Tsarina, with a view of founding a new dynasty.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GERMAN TERMS ANALYSED

BEARING ON THE EASTERN SITUATION.

London, February 2G. Germany's terms are interpreted to mean a desire to make tho Baltic a German lake, to establish a chain of buffer States between Russia and Germany, and to secure a footing in the Black Sea through tho Ukraine. The last-mentioned object has an important bearing qu the Eastern situation, as it would make Germany independent of Turkey and Bulgaria, becauso the new lino of communications between Berlin, Odessa, and Trebizond would bring Germany deep into Persia and close to India. Tho "Manchester Guardian" Bays that a strange thing about Germany's terms is that no demand has been made for the Russian Fleet. Presumably it was feared that the Russians would destroy it, aud Germany hopos to get it later.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . , LENIN ON. "PHRASE-MAKING" Petrograd, February 26. Lenin, in an article in the ."Pravda," explains that acceptance of peace was essential to secure a continuance of the Bolshevik regime. "Refusal to j sign," he says, "only was possible to those intoxicated by revolutionary phrases. The Army is demoralised and refuses to fight. I always tried to persuade the members of our party to clear their ■ minds of revolutionary cant. One of the , greatest of the present evils is phrase-making." Lenin claims he warned Russia that refusal of peace would result in worse peace terms. "All the bourgeoisie in Russia," he continues, "are jubilant.at the approach of the J Germans. We are compelled to submit to a distressing peace, but this will not stop the revolutions in Germany and Europe."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. REQUEST FOR AN ARMISTICE Leuin and Trotsky are complaining of the continuance of hostilities, and have inquired whether Germany intends to. reply to Russia's expressed consent to sign the proposed conditions of peace, and to Krylenko's inquiry whether an armistice does not automatically follow the acceptance of such con-ditions.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Reuter. ARMISTICE REFUSED. (Re. February 27, 10.30 p.m.) New York, February 26. Germany has formally refused to grant an armistice. The Germans continue to advance on Petrograd.—Reuter. FIERCE FIGHT FOR PSKOFF ENEMY STRIVING TO CAPTURE HUGE SUPPLIES. (Rec. February 27, 9 p.m.) Petrograd, February 26. Fierce fighting continues for Pskoff, which has changed hands several times. Tho Soviet is sending fresh troops from Petrograd. The first of tho German detachments were small but well equipped. Large reinforcements are now approaching. Enormous supplies and valuable munitions are stored in tho neighbourhood, henoo tho Germans' anxiety to capture it. Tho railway to Petrograd has been cut, and the bridges blown up. Tho Soviet almost hourly is issuing violent proclamations goading its supporters. The latest deuounces tho approaching combination as "imperialist assassins, damned minions of Wilhelm tho German, Kalediirs Whito Guards." Strange scenes are witnessed. Tho blare of syrens woke Petrograd on Monday night. Few know what the sound signified. They went into the streets and wero immediately summoned to get picks and shovols and dig trenchee and roads. Telephones buzzed everywhere, telling that the Germans were coming from Pskoff. Trams ran all night, motors were requisitioned, and railways closely guarded.—"Tho Times." APPEAL OF THE COMMISSARIES (Rec. February 27, 8.5' p.m.) London, February 26. A Russian official report states: "The People's Commissaries for food Btipply appeals to all not engaged in military service to organise the speedier transport of bread, and reorganise the railways. 'Wo sound the tocsin! The enemy is before the gates of Red Petrograd. On Red. Potrograd and the food supplies depends the success of tho last great decisive battlo for peace, for land and Socialism. Tho labourers of the whole world, who aro not strong enough to help us immediately, are watching events with restrained breath and alarm. We must await spoetly help, and hold out for several days in desperate battle against tho world's usurpers.' "— FORCES MOBILISING (Rec. February 27, 11.35 p.m.) Petrograd, February 26. The workers have joined tho garrison at Narva and combined with the Red Guards, forming a total forco of ton-thousand. A portion has been dispatched to Reval. Similar mobilisations aro proceeding olsewhero. The Soviets are acting as centres for the rapid distribution of arms and supplies. —"The Times."

THE GERMAN REPORT

(llec. Fobniary 27, 9 p.m.) London, February 26. A German official report states: "Four days after crossing Molin' Sound our troops who were marching on Heval captured the fortress aftor a. brittle. Flags wero hung in many of the- towns in Livonia when we entered. Many of the inhabitants were arrested at the capturo of Pskoff. General von Linsingon stormed and carried Kolenkowitx and the railway station. Wo covered upwards of 180 miles in the last few days. Co-operating with the Ukrainians, we have cleared the greater part of the country of the looting gangs. Wo recently took prisoner on tho Eastern front three divisional staff officers, 180 offioers, and 3676 men."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-lteuter.

" JAPAN'S HOUR STRIKES "

London, February 26,

The British and French newspapers are discussing Japan's attitude to Russia in view of the Bolsheviki's shameful capitulation. The "Daily Chronicle" says that Japan's refusal to send troops to Europe is natural and inevitable. Japan is not a European nation, but now that Russian Asia looms before- the German ambition as one of the spoils of war the situation is different. If the Allies can como to a practical agreement, Japan may take a military part in the common struggle. The Paris newspapers generally are of opinion that it is time for Japan to act. The German peril in tho East is too real to ho ignored. The "Temps" says that Germany's new dream is a road from Berlin to Tokio, instead of from Berlin to Bagdad. Japan understands the danger to the people of Russia and Siberia, and that it is no longer sufficient to police Siberia. AVar must be waged there. Every da; , ' the German influence is dragging the keys to Vladivostok westward.

The "Echo de Paris" says: "Japan's hour strikes. She alone is ablo to check Germany's Eastern penetration. She is anxious to intervene when tho signal is given."—Aus.-N'.Z. Cable Assn.

"IMMEDIATE AND DRASTIC."

(Rec. February 27, 9 p.m.)

London, February 26. "Tlie Times" forecasts immediate und drastic Japanese action in Russia.—United Service.

MOVING APPEAL TO THE ALLIES

London, February 26. M. Efremof, who was Minister of Justice in Kerensky's Cabinet, has addressed a moving appeal to the Allies. Ho says that the Russians have lost five millions killed during the war. There has been a dearth of med ; cines and clothing and of every kind of industrial machinery since 1914. The distress of tho Russian people is beyond imagination. The brutal question is whether Germany shall organise Russia against the Allies or tho Allies organise Russia against Germany.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GRAND DUKE NICHOLAS TO BE TRIED FOR TREASON

Berne, February 26. The German newspapers report that the Bolsheviki have ordered the former generalissimo, Grand Duke Nicholas, to be court-martialled on a charge of treason against the republic—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

RUMANIAN MINISTER IN LONDON RECALLED

London, February 26.

The Rumanian Minister in Britain (M. Nicholas Misu) has departed for Rumania. The French Press reports that ho is to become Foreign Minister. —Atis.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

TURKS RE-ENTER TREBIZOND

(Rμ. 'February 28, 0.35 a.m.)

London, February 26. A Turkish communique states:—"Wo hare re-entered Trebizond, which is in. flames."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-I'imter.

"WE CAN OUTMATCH THEM"

GENERAL FOCH ON THE OUTLOOK

CONFIDENCE IN THE GENERAL SITUATION

(liec. February 27, 5.5 p.m.)

New York, February 26. In tho course of an interview with General Foch, Mr. Charles Grasty, tho "New York Times's" represeulative, asked: "Will the Germans hare new gases?" General Foch replied: "No; tliey will hare tanks, but we can outmatch them. Tho Germans may begin an ol'ronsive in Rumania, and Macedonia, working towards Italy. The Teuton numbers do not niako for superiority. They had three to one in tlio Yse'r campaign.' wlion wo were a.imost witliout artillery or munitions,- yet they fni'cil. T ta]y is solid. Her danger is past. While the British and French are- ready to help, they believe tho Italian Army will hold its own."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ON THE BRITISH FRONT London, February 26. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "The enemy's artillery is active in the Cam-brai-Searpa Valley, at Arnientieres, and at Ypres. Despito tho weather our aeroplanes bombed various targets, and dropped over two hundred bombs on aerodromes at Oourtrai and on billets at St. Quentin. All of the machines returned."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Keuter. (Itec. February 27, 11.35 p.m.) London, February 27. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "There is hostile artillery firing at Flesquireres and Ypres."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-R'euter. (Bee. February 23, 0.35 a.m.) London, February 26. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—"Our night fliers dropped 1200 bombs, chiefly on the aerodromes at Ghent, Tcurnai, and Courtrai, and billets at Donai and St. Quentin."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Reuter. —"" —— " i MARKED ARTILLERY ACTIVITY ON FRENCH FRONT

(Rec. February 27, 11.35 p.m.)

London, February 27. A French communique states: "Thoro is marked reciprocal artillery activity north of the Chemin des Dames and on both banks of the Mouse, especially at Hill 304, Mort Homme, Beaumont, and Chambrettes."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Beuter.

FRENCH READY FOR THE BLOW

(Rec. February 27, 8.5 p.m.)

London, February 26. Reuter's correspondent at French Headquarters says: "As the shadow of the expected German offensive looms larger, it is comforting to know that the French are ready everywhere to meet it whenever it falls. Behind the French front the winter has been a time of methodical preparation. Unnumbered miles of trenches have been dug, roads and communications improved, and fresh monstrous growths of wire placed in every road and field whore a German advance is conceivable Artillery and munitions are ready in quantities the Germans have never before encountered, but a surer and stronger defence is the unconquerablo spirit of the French, Army. They are ready and better prepared than ever beforce."—Reuter.