ON THÈAST FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1918, Page 2

ON THÈAST FRONT.

JAPANESE STATEMENT. I AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION * REUTER.] TOKIO March 18. Replying to hecklers, M. Towarcki, the Japanese Premier, stated that final arrangements had not been reached regarding intervention. These were de-. layed untjl diplomatic reports had been received from Petrograd which were expected soon. < EVACUATED. NEW YORK, March 18. The “Herald’s” Petrograd correspondent states that the city is practically evacuated and is governed by a Labour Commune. The Gormans at Minsk and Mouleuf have seized the last cows and horses ; from the peasants. They are also requisitioning all provisions. | GENERAL OFFENSIVE. BEGUN.

COPENHAGEN March 18. The Red Guards compelled the White Guards to retire north of Bjornehorg. General Mannerheim has now begun a general offensive on the whole front. KHARKOFF EVACUATED. PETROGRAD March 18. The Germans have occupied Rochmatsh, Konotop, and’ Austro-Germans are moving towards Kharkoff. The evacuation thereof is ordered. Fighting is proceeding at Briansk, where the enemy were compelled to retire. ’ . A German offensive is proceeding towards Kherson. „ THE PEACE TERMS. PETROGRAD March 18. M. Mnrtoff, head of the Mensshefik addressing the Moscow Soviet/ alleged that the peace treaty with Germany provided for an indemnity from Russia of nine,'not of three billions of ■gold roubles. Ho also asserted that the treaty declares Petrograd a free city. • Th e Social Revolutionaries, after opposing the ratification of peace, • reserved the, right to hinder the fulfilment of the treaty.

| TROTSKY AGAINST JAPAN. (Received This Day, at 12.55. a.m.) ; MOSCOW March 18: Trotsky interviewed said the Allies invitation to Japan was a great error. LAmerida would the sorry, first. Germany and Japan according to his information, had secretly agreed to divide Russia on the basis of the interests of each. He added that the Soviets Executive had decided to make the _ Ural mountains their defensive base. OPPONENTS ARMING. i . (Received This Day at 12.30. a.m.) COPENHAGEN March 18. It is reported thot opponents of the revolution are arming in Petrograd, with a view to ousting the remain j ing Bolsheviks. The latter scenting ’ danger are fortifying Smolny public square and buildings with machine . guns.

: : war. COUNCIL PROTEST. I (Reuter’s Telegram.) (Received this day at 12.30 a.m.) LONDON/ March 18. The Supreme War Council has issued a statement condemning German political crimes against Russia. ' : 's JAPAN’S FEAR. (Received. This Dav at 8.50. a.m.) TOKIO, March 18. r In the House of Representatives, the. War Minister stated there were 94,00® German prisoners in Siberia, east of Lake Baikal, and 60,000 west of Lake Baikal. Those to the east were 'uncontrolled, . and were trying their utmost to get arms A thousand Russian Moderates under General Seminoff, were opposing the Maximalists east of Lake Baikal. The Entente might support General Seminoff, hut Seminoff’s force at present was weak. There were also some Moderates at Vladivostock to Blagovestchensk. The Maximalist’s power was growing, and they were getting a supply of arms and ammunition. Should the German prisoners organise to support the Maximalists a serious situation' might ho created.