MIDDLE EAST

Southland Times, Issue 18838, 3 June 1920, Page 5

MIDDLE EAST

ARMENIA AND GEORGIA

BOLSHEVIK DIS GNS (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (The Timas.) TEHERAN, May 31. The Tartar Soviet Government of Azerbaijan, established after the occupation of Baku, exists merely as a nominal republic. It is torn by conflicting Turco-Russian intrigues, Moscow influence predominating. The Government maintains relations with Persia but has broken oft relations with the Entente. Eighty interned British arc employed as labourers. The Bolshevik,-- subsequently proceeded to deal with Georgia and Armenia. They temporised wi:h the former and pretended to recognise its inde’-cndence, but actually signed peace at Titiis on May S. There was great rejoicing. Meanwhile heavy Red forces arc concentrated on the frontier from B..ku where heavy fighting is proceeding.

The Armenians were roughly handled from the outset but pluckily reject's! an order to evacuate Kraboh and Zancezur. They have forme'! a new Cabinet winch suppressed internal Bolshevism and is prepared to resist the Reds to the last ditch. Prolonged resistance is impossible. The only hope is peace between the Allies and the Bolsheviks, which is likely to cause TureoBolshevist dissension ami disintegrate the monstrous opportunist alliance inducing the Bolshevists to give Armenia a chance whereas Turkey is determined to destroy the latter.

Apparently wide reaching Bolshevist designs on Persia have necn postponed pending the subduing of Georgia and Armenia. The situation at Enzeli is unchanged. THE ARMENIAN MANDATE. AMERICAN SENATE’S DECISION. WASHINGTON. June 1. The Senate hy 48 m 84 rejected a motion to delav acting on the Armenian mandate until a peace agreement with the Central Powers is reached. THE KRASSIN MISSION. PROPOSED GOLD PAYMENTS. PROTEST FROM THE UKRAINE. (Reuter's Telegrams.) LONDON, May 31. The Ukrainian diploma: ic mission has written to Mr I.L'Vii Cicoriio protecting sgninst M. reported intention to pav gold for propo-etl purchases on behalf of the Soviet tinveruinent. of Russia on the ground that a share of the gold_ of the Russian State Bank belongs to the Ukraine, which is also partially liaole for the Rumanian gold reserve, which the mu lets captured in the Kremlin. The mission asks for the transmission of the protest to the Supreme Economic Council.

THE SPA CONFERENCE. TO MEET ON JUNE 21. LONDON. June 1. (Received June 2. 9.15 p.m.i_ It is understood that the Spa Conference will meet on June 21. Italy having withdrawn her demand for a postponnient. THE GERMAN ELECTIONS. A LIVELY CAMPAIGN. AGRARIAN DISTURBANCES. BERLIN, June 1. The election campaign is characterised by much rioting in various cent res. \on Graefe, a well known Conservative deputy, was brutally ill-treated at a meeting at Mecklenburg, where the-tension is exceptionally great. Several landowners and their families have tied to Berlin. It is reported that the agricultural labourers are plotting to expel the landlords hnd divide estates. The Government has promulgated an edict forbidding private enlistment- in newmilitary corps, the penalty being ti\e \ears imprisonment.