THE AGE HOAX.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1043, 14 April 1882, Page 3

THE AGE HOAX.

The following is the full text of the supposed dispatches from the Russian Admir il with which the Melbourne Aye was hoaxed:—

1. To ascertain by view the vulnerable points of attack on the coast and harbours of the Australian colonies.

2. What forces they could oppose in case war being declared between Russia and England—of what those forces are composed of, and their efficiency.

3. Which parts of the coast of New South Wales and Victoria and Tasmania are susceptible to be used as lurking places for privateers as well as for the vessels of the squadron. 4. To ascertain the exact amount of pecuniary resources the colonies can dispose of if put to contribution—by a squadron having possession of the forts at the Heads (Port Phillip) and the bay of Port Phillip, likewise of such ports of New South Wales, but more particularly the colony of Victoria—where it is believed greater facilities exist to put any such scheme in operation, as being more defenceless than New South Wales, and of easier access to Sydney. 5 In what way the different colonies could assist each other in case any particular spot were suddenly assailed—how long a time it would require to obtain assistance in men and arms—and of what means of speedy communication they could make use of ; also their distance from each other.

6. What ammunition, guns and carriages, there is in existence in the colonies, available for emergency, if they have any arsenal where such ammunition are manufactured, and what foundries are there existing? (Vide Lieut. Abassa).—7. If in case of war between these countries aforesaid, any reliance or trust could be i ut in the Irsih population of those colonies, particularly in the evi ntuality of any serious rebellion being fostered at the same time in Ii eland. 8. After his cruise being completed in the Australian colonies, the squadron to rendezvous at Singapore, the Admiral to proceed alone by touching at Sourabaya (Java), the other vessels in the meantime to proceed to Batavia previous to going to Singapore. From Singapore, where instructions will be waiting, to proceed to Shanghai (China), where the vessels are expected to join another squadron, proceeding from the Amour and other parts of the Pacific—(some ironclads.) 9 Rear-Admiral Aslanbegoff will then receive his nomination as Vice- A dmiral of the whole fleet, which will likely amount to 15 or! 7 vessels in all, eight of those vessels to pioo-ecl from Shanghai to the Fiji group for coal, the squadron from Fiji to proceed ti New Caledonia or the New Hebrides, by which time wav will have been declared ; from Noumea or Kanala to swoop upon the Australian colonies before there is time to be aware of any aggressive movement.

10. One vessel of the combined squadron is to be detached (being specially' fitted for the purpose) to cut and pick up tho submarine cable, connecting I’ort Darwin to Banjoewangi (Java), that vessel to join the other vessels by way of the western coast of Australia, and to make its appearence at King George’s Sound to intercept the steamers from Ceylon or frem the Cape of Good dope. 11. To levy contributions of £5,000 000 (five million) of each city, Melbourne and Sydney, from Adelaide £2,000,000, from Queensland £2 000,000. [Besides minor operations according to eventuality, this is in a condensed form, the summary of their projects.] The following is a translation of Admiral Aslanbegoff’s telegraphic despatch in cipher referred to above:— Admiral Aslaub'-goff to tho Minister of the Navy, St. Iretersburg. 23 d February, 1882. In conformity of the instructions of your despatches of the 5t hj. December and 8t i. January, I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency that I have literally f illilled the task i ntrnsted to me hy his Majesty our Father, and have completely been successful in carrying them out. Ain in possession of the information required. Australian colonies without any serious means of defence to oppose our squadron, or to troops of debarcation. Victoria, i e., Melbourne, at our mercy by suprise. Unlimited resources in money, and produce stores incalculable In

consequence send orders to commander squadron of Vladivostock join division at Shanghai next April. Warn S. V. P. our father that further mischief is’contemplated by A T ihil tan Koloke for crowning day. I sent full particulars hy two registered letters which leave by to-morrow's mail. Will leave here day after to-morrow for Glenelg. Expect to receive further orders, as agreed upon, at King George’s Sound. Baron Macleay embarked. Have left Major Bryant at Melbourne. He will rejoin next April via Suez ; take Russian mail steamer at Alexandria for Odessa. Authoiise me to pay 5000 roubles to B. Very urgent. Nothing new on board spuadron. All officers in excellent spirits. Yours obediently to command, Aslanbegoff.