SOVIET RUSSIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1927, Page 2

SOVIET RUSSIA.

'Australian & N.Z. Cable Association,

LITHUANIAN DISPUTE

LONDON, Nov. 20. As a result of the Soviet’s tactics, a long-standing quarrel between Poland and Lithuania has suddenly fired up. Russia sent a message to “Warsaw delivering a lecture on the importance of preserving peace, and with usual lack of humour, threatening extreme measures, if Poland were to attack Lithuania. Meanwhile, Litvinoff with Ilerr Strosmann are at Berlin. A non-committal communique mentions that the matter was discussed.

The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent expressed the opinion that Moscow’s aim is recognition as a party to the dispute, and thus indirectly to secure an invitation to the League Council, where the question is being raised. Whatever was her object. Russia lias certainly succeeded in pushing the quarrel to the forefront. It is reported from “Warsaw that Pilstidski does not intend to reply to the Soviet and will pursue his own course undeterred by threats. There are persistent rumours that Poland is engineering another unofficial raid on Lithuania, on a Vilnaplan, hue the correspondent regards the reports of suspicion as emanating from Russian sources.

The internal situation in Lithuania is apparently unsettled. Dictator Waldemara’s position is most precarious. Officers who were responsible for the coup d’etat which placed him in power, are no longer supporting him. Lithuania declares she lias been at war since General Zeligowski seized Vilna in 1920. Lithuania appealed to the League, which referred the matter to the Council of Ambassadors who in 1923 decided in favour of Poland. Lithuania remained unreconciled from other causes, such as the educational rights of Lithuania speaking people in Poland, and Polish speaking people in Lithuania. WARSAW, Nov. 26. Amid conflicting stories of tension with Lithuania, arises an obvious design to impress the League of Nations of the need for definite action. It is rumoured that Marshal Pilsudski may go to Geneva to submit the case to the Council. One suggestion is to place Lithuania under a neutral mandate.

SOVIET DELEGATION. (Received this day at 8.30 a.in.) GENEVA, Nov. 27. The Soviet Delegation, headed by Litvinoff has arrived. They occupy the whole of the third floor of the Hotel Delapix, wherefrom there are signs of an avalanche of propaganda daily. Several hotel proprietors declined to accommodate them, fearing anti-Bol-shevik demonstrations. The party includes several women smartly dressed. It might be supposed from Litvinoff’s statements that the world had neve; heard the question of disarmament before or the Polisli-Lithiianian dispute. All statesmen in the world need to listen to Moscow who are a cure for all ills.

REPORTED REVOLT. (Received this dav at 8.50 n.m.) LONDON, Nov. 27. Unconfirmed reports from Rima state Waldemara’s Government overthrown.