THE DISGRACEFUL RUSSIAN PEACE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 146, 9 March 1918, Page 7

THE DISGRACEFUL RUSSIAN PEACE

EOLSHEVIK WRATH DIRECTED AGAINST GERMAN

IMPERIALISM

JAPANESE INTERVENTION RESENTED

By TeJogripJi-Press AiEooiation-Cc-pyriglit

(Re». March 9, 0.25 a.m.)

Mr. Harold .Williams, the "Daily ChronfcleV- correspondent at Petrograd, states: 'There are many indications that the disgraceful peace just imposed will not be the end of Russia, but the beginning of a strong Russia It is tho end of tho old war, but the beginning of a new, tougher and more 'complex war, I insist. Des.pito tho ruin and. suffering caused by the Bol-shev-iki, their leaders, who were not intentionally working for German interests, were .working fanatically for their own revolutionary aims- but they havo been worsted, and tho chief violence of their wrath is now directed against German imperialism. They aro successfully stimulating against German oppression a. patriotic feeling of a new type. This new Bolshevik enthusiasm- is an asset; certainly it is one of tho factors of the revival of national sentiment, and is shared by many other classes. It is possible that the various currents of bitter hostility to Germany will coalesce in a big national movement of resistance to the German invasion. Hence, if a revival of national sentiment is possible, Russia's Allies ought to foster it. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate for us that the very moment the Russians are smartin" under the bitter humiliation of defeat they are faced with the threat of Jap° anese invasion of Siberia in the interests of the Allies. The threat has aroused the 'strongest resentment in all classes of Russians. "The. mere liint of occupation, witlwut any indication of the aims or the forms of the occupation, staggers our staunchest supporters, and perhaps awakens greater indignation than the cession of Kars v and Batoum to Turkey. Possibly it will ultimately be necessary, as a military measure, to safeguard the Siberian supplies, but the danger is not immediate. ■ Tho threat of occupation, lends colour to the repeated suggestions of collusion among the belligerents and the possibility of peace at Russia's expense. If Russia has any light in her, she will need the Allies to direct and give military help. Let this dorno only as a result of, invitation and the consent of 'the Russian people. Tho newspaper 'Retch' expresses serious misgivings as to the carrying on of Anglo-American negotiations without Russia's participation concerning Japanese occupation. The French Government has proposed that the Allies should give 'definite guarantees for the integrity of Russia's Asiatic possessions, but however-valuable such guarantee;*,. the fact remains that all agreements made regarding Russia, without Russia's consultation, are incompatible witii her sovereign rights." Mr.. Williams adds:'—"ln the absc-nco of a stable form of government, Russia is confronted with a new menace as the result of the situation, depriving Her of a voice. in tile decision of international questions."—AusN.Z. Cable Assn,. DIVISION AMONG.BOLSHEVIKI OVER.PEACE TERMS. ' '._' . Petrograd, March 7. Differences are growing stronger daily between the Leninists, who are advocating the ratification of the peace terms, and influential Bolshevik groups, which demand a refusal. There will possibly be a split at the Moscow Con-gress.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. JAPAN WILL NOT ACT HASTILY UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIONS BEING CONSIDERED. 7T a. . , , . ~. , ~, r . Washington, March 7. , Unofficial advices indicate that Japan is considering the United States' informal representations. a growing belief that Japan will not act ventwn " ' '™ d Ikly Japanese inter. i/H L NOTr * Ywk W ° M ''' in , an editorial, urges open diplomacy and public statements regarding Japan's intentions and America's attitude'thereto, file' New \ork Herald strikes a now note, in urging President Wilson to approve Japan's protective measures, m Siberia, and to send a small American force, tow-operate, thus cementing American and Japanese friendship. Senator Democratic Whip discussing Japanese intervention in Siberia, said: 'The United States will not allow any conduct from anv foreign NZ P CabirJssi? P rh,ci P le s of democracy:»-Aus.-RADICAL DIFFERENCES OF OPINION IN JAPAN. (R-cc. March 8, 11.50 p.m.) " mi n , ~- , Tokio i March 7. Ihe Press and public are profoundly stirred over the Siberian debacle, and frequent Cabinet meetings are being hold. Though radical differences or opinion exist, the leading papers are clamouring for immediate action.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FEARS OF A COMPROMISE AT RUSSIA'S EXPENSE.

... A . , „ , Petrograd, March 7. AH tho newspapers regard the speeches of Count Hcrtling, Mr. Balfour, and Baron Sonnmo as indicating a plan by tho Allies to compromise at IttisF,ia's expense. Japan's proposed intervention is regarded as a blow against the Revolution.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, THE EXODUS FROM THE CAPITAL DEFENCE COUNCIL APPOINTED. ,„, "_ . •" Petrograd, March 7. The Foreign Office has moved to Nijni Novgorod. The exodus of civilians continues. ' / The Bolslievilii say that Mr. D; lUFrancis has moved tho American Embassy to Perm (685 miles north-east of Kazan, at the foot of tho Ural Mountains), and asked tho Ambassador for Norway to protect Americans in'Petrograd, The Russians have appointed a Defence Council, consisting of Commissaries Schutko, Bronehbrujevitch,- and Proschain.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.