CREWS OF BALTIC FLEET DESERTING

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 150, 14 March 1918, Page 7

CREWS OF BALTIC FLEET DESERTING

Petrograd, March 12. The Soviet Congress received a tragic and significant description, of ihc abandoned fleet at Helsingfors. Tho crews melted away, only a watch on each ship being left. The Dreadnoughts are. going to Kronsta'dt, and tho others havo been left to the caro of Finland, and are- practically in German liands. The Aurora, and Diana have been dismantled. The sailors looted all tho movable articles. —"Tho Times." [Tho Aurora, is a second-class cruiser of 6731 tons. Tho Diana is also a second-class cruiser of G630 tons, and was used as a submiirino depot. The Aurora is fifteen years old and tho Diana sixteen years.] PRESIDENT WILSON'S MESSAGE TO THE MOSCOW CONFERENCE GERMANY ENDEAVOURING TO TURN BACK RUSSIA'S STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM. Now York, March 12. President Wilson's message to the Moscow Conference of Soviets states, inter alia: "I wish to take advantage of the meeting of the Congress of Soviets to express tho sympathy of tho people of America for the Russian people at this moment, whon Germany is ondeavouring to turn back Russia's whole struggle for freedom and substitute Germany's wishes forthe purposes of tho Russian people. Although tho United States Government is unhappily not now in a position to render direct, effective aid,' I wish to assure tho people of Russia that America will avail herself of every opportunity to secure Russia's complete sovereignty and independence, and full restoration to her great role in the lifo of Europe- and the modern world."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■ BOLSHEVIK!. ADOPT NEW TITLE. Petrograd, March 12. The Bolsheviki have decided to adopt the title "Russian Communistic Party," and to extend the : r policy on an international basis.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ... GERMANS NINE MILES FROM ODESSA. Rotterdam, March 12. The Germans are within nine miles of Odessa.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RUMANIAN PEACE TREATY NOT YET RATIFIED DUTY OF BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO OBTAIN REVISION OF THE HARSH TERMS. London, Maicb 12. Mr. Balfour (Minister of Foreign Affairs) stated in the House of Commons that peace between Rumania and the Central Powers had not yet been ratified. The Government knew the enemy's terms before they were assented to. He deeply sympathised with Rumania in her cruel position. It would cei\ tainly be %he Government's duty to obtain at the Pence Conference a revision of the harsh terms imposed on Rumania.—Renter.