IN EAST AFRICA

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1917, Page 2

IN EAST AFRICA

German Uommanter Captured. [BEUTEB’S SERVICE —COPYRIGHT, f London, May 29 East Africa official—The dry season is approaching, favouring the activity of the first days of May which were marked by a general southward movement of the German forces in the Rusfiji Valley and in the coastal area. Those southward in the valleys were transferred to the Mataudu Valley, whilst further Bouth raiders penetrated, Portuguese territory towards the border of Nf asealand, burning native villages, terrorising the inhabitants, and Dairying off food to the depots northward of Rovama, The southward movement in the central areas commenced early in February, Tbe German columns at Mahenge proceeded towards Gunbiro and Scongea, finally breaking into two main bodies, one going to tbe Portuguese border. The other, commanded by Major Winfgens broke northward, evading the columns operatiagbet ween IriDga and Lake Nyassa, and reached Kitunda toward Tabata. >■ On 6th May the British, Rhodesian and other troops went in pursuit and the German commander was captured on 22nd May, sixty miles sonth-weefc of Tabora, by the Belgians co-operat-ing with the British frem the central railway.

TWO STARTLING ARTICLES-

On Russian Aims.

(Australian &N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter.)

Petrograd, May 30

Two startling articles referring to the revolutionary war policy, are published in the organ of the Gounod of Soldiers-and Workmens delegates,

One is more particularly addressed to England. It strongly dissents from tbe claim that the Provisional Government’s declaration and revolutionary leaders pronouncement regarding the Russian peaca formula, coincide with Anglo-French aim 6. The paper asserts that Russia will not sacrifice a single soldier to help the western Allies restore historic injustice.

The other article ?ay& the watchword of “ no annexation ” mast net be misinterpreted. The article defines annexation as the forcible seizure of territory in the possession of another State, on the day of the declaration of war. “Without annexation,” means that not a drop of the people’s blood b 8 spilt for such a seizare.

RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR. Very Optimistic. Tokio, May 30 Professor Baktetoff, the n6w Rnssaa Ambassador for United States, arrived en route to Washington. He says ho is immensely satisfied with the conditions in Russia. He thiuks the new regime will soon be able to reach an offensive against the enemy. He repudiates the idea that Russia will make a separate peace.

HEW DISCIPLINARY REGULATION Some Important Provisions. (Australian & N.Z. Gable Association and Reuter), London, May 29 The Petrograd correspondent of the Morning Post says: A nsw disciplinary regulation is publised. The general tenor is indicated in the title: “A Decree Regard-, ing the Fundamental Rights of the Men in the Fighting Service." The regulation lays down that all men and officers will enjoy the rights of free citizens, but they must regulate their conduct by requirements of the service and discipline. They can speak, write or publish anything on any political or religious subject within the scope of ordinary laws and can disoard their nniform, except on actual service.

The decree abolishes the compulgory salute substituting a voluntary mutual greeting. It concedes freedom and quietness in the barracks and on Bbips for men when off duty.

Punishments must not offend the 86nse of honor or dignity.

RUSSIA’S WAR AIMS. Are Allies in Agreement. London, May 30 The Daily News Petrograd correspondent states the soldier’s and workmen’s official crgac is discussing the statement in Allied newspapers, that Russia’s war aims coincide with the Allies.

The papar deolares the Allies must answer definitely “yes” or “no.” An affirmative reply would be followed by pourparlers. If there is a negative reply, the Allies would assume the same responsibility for the continuance of the war as Germany.

It adds that the declarations of the Anglo-French Governments do not satisfy the Russian revolutionary democracy. The Daily Express Petrograd correspondent states the Allies reply to the Russian Note is expected in a few days.