WAR NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 28 February 1918, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

MONDAY. German Demands—Ultimatum to Russia—Enemy Rroops in Finland —Progress in Palestine—Anzacs Capture Jericho. Germany's new peace terms have been announced by Russia. She demands the provinces of Courland, Livonia, and Esthonia, the abandonment of Finland and i the Ukraine, the disarmament of lyMl warships in Russian waters, !rand indemnities. The Germans have advanced 50 miles on the whole front without meeting any resistance. It is stated that they will occupy Petrograd until Russia guarantees peace and accords a 30 > years' trade treaty. g The British advance east and north of Jerusalem is being \ rapidly continued. " The Australian and New Zealand mount|ed troops occupied Jericho on rlhursday. The British forces now control the whole of the southern valley of the Jordan, the Dead Sea, and the rich country east of it.

TUESDAY Russia's Dilemma—Lenin Accepts Peace Terms-^Efforts to Resist InAasion — Germans Securing Railways. An official message from Russia states that M. Lenin and M. Trotzky have sent a message to Berlin accepting the German peace terms. Volunteers are being enrolled in Petrograd to defend the capital New Socialist regiments are being formed in addition to those of soldiers ready to fight. Many women are desirous of joining the ranks. The German advance into Russia consists of a series of rapid dashes by comparatively small parties of troops, mounted, or in motor cars. They rush forward, destroy the railways and block the roads, making! transport impossible, and leave other parties to secure the abandoned booty at their leisure. A correspondent on the west front states that winter conditions are passing away, and the, ground has hardened. Everything is in readiness for the new campaign. No one believes the enemy capable of breaking through.

WEDNESDAY Japan and Russia—Action in Event of Peace—Policy Approved by Allies—Germans Occupy Reval— Advance in Mesopotamia. The withdrawal of the Japanese Ambassador from Petrograd is announced. Visccunt Motono the Foreign Minister, states that this does not mean a rupture of relations, but was due to the unsettled and dangerous conditions in the Russian capital. He added that in the event of peace between Russia and Germany, Japan would take decided and adequate steps to meet the occasion, Japan being in full agreement with the allies.

German reports of the invasion of the Russian Baltic Provinces claim the occupation of Revai on the Gulf of Finland, Pernau on the Gulf of Riga, and Dorpat east of LakePeipus.

Ensign Krylenko, the Bolshevik commander, has asked for a renewal of the armistice in view of the acceptance of the German peace terms.

British forces in Mesopotamia have occupied Khan Aburayat, on the Euphrates* Patrols are within 10 miles of Hit, 100 miles north-west of Bagdad.

THURSDAY Russian Rally—Fierce Fighting at Pskov t — French Ready for the Conflict—Fierce Artillery Duels on Both Banks of Meuse. The Germans invading Russia are being opposed at Pskov, which has changed hands several times, and is the scene of fierce fighting. The early German force was small, but reinforcemenst are being hurried up. : The Bolshevik leaders, com- - plaining of the renewal of hostilities, are asking Germany whether any reply will be given to their offer to accept the peace terms. tMj -"■ correspondent at French describes most elaborate preparations to meet the expected enemy offensive. Artillery and munitions are ready in quantities that the Germans have never yet encountered, while the unconquerable spirit of the army is still the country's best defence. ' Pierce duels are reported by French, especially north of the Chemin dcs Dames and on both banks of the Meuse. The British troops in Italy have made several raids across the Piave during the week. The air service has also actively attacked the enemy.