RUSSIAN CRISIS.

Taihape Daily Times, 5 January 1918, Page 5

RUSSIAN CRISIS.

ANNEXING WEST RUSSIA.

GERMANY’S UNDERHAND WAY,

LONDON, January 3

Mr. J. D. Bouchior, the “Times” war correspondent, telegraph from Petrograd that it is reported that the Austro-German peace conditions contain the proviso that the peoples l of Poland, Lithuania, and Esthonia have already clearly expressed a desire to be annexed to Germany.' Therefore, acting on the principle that the people, should exercise the right to say how they will dispose of themselves, Germany will remain in occupation of these regions.”

MARTIAL LAW IN MOSCOW. WASHINGTON, January 3. Advices have been received that | martial law has been declared in Moscow, The Bolsheviks “seized the banks and factories. i THE BROKER CONFERENCE. SOLDIERS WILL FIGHT. DETAILS OP GERMAN INTENTIONS Received 11.50.' LONDON, Jan 4. The Daily News’ Petrogratl correspondent states that on Wednesday Ransome was present at the Sinoldy Institute, near Kamenelf The great White Hall was crowded, few knew that negotiations had already stopped. Kamenelf read reports showing that Germany tried to bind Russia to herself by a renewal of the 1904 treaty, which the Czar had refused to renew and which was one of - the causes of the war. Germany made several alternative proposals with tjf.e object of securing for herself the position of the most favoured nation. Russians replied that they favoured equality of trade; they could not while socialising industry and nationalising banks subscribe to principles which were contrary to Socialism. The Germans then seem to have climbed down. Germany disclosed the intention under pretext of self definition to retain Poland and Lithuania Kameneff said, if Germany now moves troops against revolutionary Russia it is evident her purpose is the final enslaveI ment of Poland and Lithuania. This would instantly cause an explosion which would destroy German Imperialism. Soldier delegates then described the appalling condition of the Army, but affirmed they would continue the war despite conditions, unless the Germans agree to a democratic peace. A resolution was carried debouncing the forcing of the will of strangers upon the people of Poland, Lithuania and Courland, and appealing to the peoples of the Central Powers to use pressure on their Governments to j ensure the policy of no annexations ! and no indemnities.

RUSSIAN APPEALS TO GERMAN SOLDIERS. LONDON, Jan 3. The Soviet’s organ publishes a remarkable article, which has been republished in pamphlet form in the German language by the governingauthorities with a view to its distribution among German troops. It declares that all the Austro-German promises of democratic peace are unconscionable lies. After \ describing the various exhibitions of the Mailed Fist in Poland and Lithuania, the enslavements, shootings and starvation, it says Only German barons and landowners ’ask for annexation. There are people in . Austria and Germany who assume to speak for the entire population. This means nothing but the violation of the will of the mass of the workers and peasants. On such a basis the Russian Government, can never enter into negotiations. The mask has fallen and the word is now with you, German soldiers and workmen. Rise, soldiers of Germany, for a revolutionary struggle against prolonged war. Fire no further shot on the Russian front! Do not be the executioners of the Russian Revolution.

Let not a single regiment proceed to other fronts if you wish for a general peace to enable the people to come to their senses. COPENHAGEN, Jan 4. The Red Guards mobilising in Petrograd have been ordered to proceed to Finland, whither 5000 have already been sent. BRITISH .AMBASSADOR .LEAVES PETEOGRAD. PLTROGRAD, January 3. Sir George Buchanan and members of the British War Mission, are returning to London.