RUSSIAN TURMOIL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10290, 27 May 1919, Page 5

RUSSIAN TURMOIL

RECOGNITION OF KOLCHAK LIBERATION OF RUSSIA AIMED AT. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, May 15 (delayed). General Kolchak, in a letter to Mr Winston Churchill, expresses profound appreciation of Britain’s assistance. The solo desire of the Siberian troops was to liberate the country. The “Manchester Guardian” says that Japanese recognition of Kolchak, who claims to be the legitimate ruler of all Russia, is equivalent to a declaration of war on the Bolshevists, and a complete reversal of the Allied policy of independent action. It suggests independent interests, and an independent bargain. Has Kolchak promised Japan the remaining section of the Manchurian railway, or a predominant position, in the exploitation of Eastern Siberia? There are also numerous, hints that Kolchak has transferred to Japan suzerainty over Mongolia. The question manifestly involves China, who may find the whole of the north circled with Japanese railways and spheres of interest. The transactions in Shantung, and by Kolchak threaten to give Japan practically a monopoly of enormous' markets. Tho ‘‘‘Daily News” states that Japan’s recognition of Kolchak gives very sinister point to General Haig’s recent speech. The newspaper asks: “Does this step mean the cold assertion of Japan’s determination to stand out for her' claims in tho East before the West is sufficiently recovered to dispute them ?"

OPERATIONS AGAINST PETROGRAD.

PETERHOF AND GATCHINA , CAPTURED.

Australian - and N.Z. Cable Association.

LONDON, May 25,

It is reported that the iistnonians have captured Peterhof (on the south shore of the .Gulf of.. Finland?and .18 miles west of Potrograd).

STOCKHOLM, May 23.

The operations against Petrograd are proceeding with uniform, success. A rapid advance is being made south-west of tho capital. A Russian anti-Bolshe-vik corps captured Gatchina (30 miles south-south-west of Petrograd), a thousand prisoners, a number of guns, and much material. The enemy is disorganised, and making a rapid retreat. There has been equal success on the southern shore of Finland. An important fort at Krasnaiw resisted for some time, but then revolted, siding with the Finns. EVACUATION OF CITY URGED. COPENHAGEN, May 15 (delayed). The Petrograd authorities are advising the population to leave tho city. Ml the Government institutions will bo removed on July Ist, cutting off tho Neva district from Soviet Russia.