THE RUSSIAN MIX UP.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1918, Page 2

THE RUSSIAN MIX UP.

AUSTRO-GERMAN prisoners CONDITION IN RUSSIA. LONDON, Jan. 22. The “Daily Chronicle’s” Moscow correspondent says he conversed with Austro-Germans prisoners in the leading streets and found them dejected and indignant. They had decided to return to their homes but were not permit ted to go through their own iront, but were sent back under a promise that they would return via' Finland, which route was now closed owing to the upheaval. There were 1,400 Austro-Ger_ mans living in railway trucks at Moscow, stating they were penniless dependent on the Bolshevik charity for food. RUNNING THROUGH RUSSIA. GERMANS’ LIGHTNING ADVANCE. LONDON, Feb. 22. “The. Morning Post’s” Petrograd cor respondent expresses the opinion that pestilence and famine will keep Russian soil safe from German inroads, long enough to enable the Allies on j the west front to deal with the common

enemy. The announcement of an unconditional surrender, was a stunning blov to the public. The Germans are making the most of their opportunity, with lightning dashes into the helpless Rusians. Thousands of the Army horses were recently starved to death and the soldiers selling the forage to pay for gambling debts. Iho condition oi the Russian railways has long been deploiable.

e Germans are gaining enormous booty and fighting material. They cap tured at Dvinsk sufficient food for a • arter of a million men, .for three weeks, also thirty thousand tons of sugar, six hundred locomotives and a thousand waggons. German invading forces which have already overrun the entire war zone, a hundred miles deep, consists only of one division of cavalry or infantry. The Polish Legions were offered an armistice, on condition that they gave a free passage in any direction. Thov are making towards War-

Bolshevik party meetings have developed indignation towards Trotsky, who will probably resign. RUSSIA’S AWFUL PLIGHT. THE LAST CALL. rAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION) PETROGRAD, Feb. 22nd. The Board of the Petrograd Council Army Commissaries has discussed Germany’s refual of the peace offer. The Council is preparing defence schemes notably the development of a new

army. The old army’s position is considered to be hopeless; nevertheless Bolshevik influence in the Council increases. A majority of the Bolsheviks oppose a holy war in favour of Lenin’s attitude.

The Council of Commissaries has issue a manifesto which declares that tbe Republic is imperilled, and appeals to all citizens to enrol for tbe defence of tlie Revolution. It warns the Soviets to defend tbe positions to the last drop of blood. The railways must be destroyed and tbe stock of locomotives moved ea’stards. The people are ordered to raise battalions and construct defences of tbe cities and towns. Tbe lawless elements must be expelled, and army discipline firmly maintained. The burgeoise must enlist or he shot at sight,

A CRITICAL POSITION. LONDON, Feb. 22ncl. It is reported tTiat the Russian position on the northern front is critical, owing to tbe disorderly retirement blocking the roads. With a' view to relieve the situation, the Commissarries are espatching Red Guards from detachments not yet entirely disorganised.

MASTERS OF RUSSIA. " WILL SECURE A RUSSIAN FLEET. LOSDON. Feb. 23. The rapidity of the German advance Reval will decide the fate of the Russian Baltic Fleet, which is ice-bound there, and the Helsingfors Fleet crews which deserted, include four Dreadnoughts, seven big cruisers, and 04 destroyers.

The captured ships do not aifect tbe. British superiority; but the destroyers will prove useful to Germany. t

It is expected that she will attempt to secure tbe Russian Black Sea Fleet, but tbe. Allies would mine the Dardanelles.

TJlie “Manchester Guardian” contends that the German advance in Russia: must modify the offensive on the Western Front, and will absorb a large army with long lines of communication exposed to guerilla warfare.

FRENCH CONCERN. (United Service Telegrams). LONDON February 22. The “Daily News” Paris correspondent states that French official "civilians a re, gravely concerned about Russia, and have. urged sppedv Allied action; otlnTwisc Germany will obtain such gigantic power that will menace the independence of Europe. News from Russia is extremely sombre, and express Petrograd jroports state that the Germans have already occupied Hapoal. Lenin and Trotsky '•are frying to resuscitate hialf the demobilised army ; but it ’is a degenerate rabble, with no fighting spirit left.

The Bolsheviks are withdrawing tbe army from Finland.

BOLSHEVIK FEARS. NEW YORK, February 22. The “Now York World’s” Petrograd correspondent states states that the opinion of tbe Bolshevik headquarters is that the Gormans will add new and harsher conditions before the * peace terms are signed.

UPSET RUSSIA. R USSIA N ~ME SS A GES. LONDON., Feb. 22. A special Military General, with a staff of five, has been appointed, and it is resolved to mobilise the whole able-Rodied population, and to confiscate all property necessary for defensive purposes, and martial law is established.

Krylenko, in a proclamation, says the struggle • continues, not for certain peace terms, but to end the Soviets’ power. Germany is unable to throw large armies against Russia, and have only small detachments of a 1000 to 2500. Krylenko appeals for small detachments to oppose the invader and check the forward movemnt.

Foreign embassies are preparing to leave. .

Trotsky lias gone to Dvinsk for the purpose of stopping the new hostilities, and carries Russia’s reply to Germany’s demands; hut it is expected that Germany will now insist on nonintervention in Ukraine, the stoppage of civil war in the Ukraine, non-inter-vention in Finland, and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Finland.

The Russian commander on the West Front ordered retiring armies not to fight, hut to destroy ammunition, pending Germany’s formal reply to Trotsky.

RUSSIA’S SUBMISSION. AMSTERDAM. Feb. 23.' A Russian courier has delivered at Berlin a message of submission signed by Trotßky and Lenin, and dated Wednesday. The courier returned empty[handed, Go rmany intimating that a period may elapse before a reply is ready, because von Kuhlmann has gone to Bucharest, and is tillable to give at. tention to the matter. Meantime the invasion proceeds.

THE KAISER’S HEART. AMSTERDAM, Feb. 22. The Kaiser has received a telegram from the I.ubesk Senate asking for assistance to send people from Esthonia.

The Kaiser replied : “ The woyds of the Senate have re-echoed profoundly in my heart. The desperate cry for help will not be unanswered. Rigorous measures will be taken against the gangs of marauders, and end the situation of complete anarchy.-

OUTSIDE REPORTS. PETROGRAD, Fob. 23. Reliable reports state that ten Gerand transports sailed from Danzing on the 20th ’northwards. A naval squadron quitted Libnu northwards. It is reported that Germany will occupy Petrograd until Russia gives guarantees for peace; also a 30 years’ trade treaty. A report from Haparanda state's that four vessels have arrived from , Germany bringing provisions for German volunteers in the Finnish cavalry who formerly served in Germany; 100,OOOrifles, and a large quantity of field and machine guns. A strong offensive is expected towards Viborg and Mnmmerfois. Rod Guards at Viborg are receiving further large reinforcements of guns and armoured cars.

A GERMAN MESSAGE. AMSTERDAM February 23. Wireless German official:—We occupied Hapsal, Estlionia. The first Estbonian regiment placed itself at the disposal of the German Command. We ■are beyond Ronnelurg. Wolmar and 'Spandau and entered Riczutza amidst the rejoicing of the inhabitants. We thence advanced to Luizir and occupied Minsk. Our assistance in the Ukraine struggle for freedom is progressing. We have junctioned the Ukrainian detachments.''

The Novograd/ Volynsk, and other columns are marching on Bubo.

ROUMANIAN PEACE WANTED AMSTERDAM February 22. According to Vienna newspapers, peace with Roumania is likely to be speedily attained favourable to all parties. Negotiations are opening on Sunday or Monday.

The Centrals are particularly desirous of obtaining maritime communication with the Ukraine via tbe Danube estuary; therefore they will' endeavour to gain a rapid and friendly agree, ment with Roumania, imposing the most moderate terms.

GERMAN ADVANCE. f ADMIRALTY—I*F.R WIRELESS PRESS, j deceived riiis day at 12.30 a.m.) German official: —Our troops in Estlionia are pressing eastward and have occupied Wary, Livonia and Dubno.

RENEWING NEGOTIATIONS. (Reuter’B Telegrams, j (Received This Day at 12.30. a.m.) NEW YORK February 24. * Germany has renewed peace negotiations witli Russia. GERMAN. PEACE DEMANDS. A GOOD SLICE OF RUSSIA.

WELLINGTON, This Day. The High Commissioner reports from )London 23rd at 1.30. p.m.

Russia announces the German terms demand Courland, Livonia, and JQstlionin, tbe abandonment of tbe Ukraine and Finland, the. disarmament of all warships in Russian seas and indem. nities with acceptance of the terms in 48 hours.