RUSSIA.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 January 1918, Page 5

RUSSIA.

UKRAINE DECLARES INDEPEN-

DENCE

PETROGRAD, Jan 27,

The Ukranian Rada has proclaimed the complete independence of the Ukranian Republic. It declared that it desires friendship with Roumania, Turkey, and other neighbouring Powers, and will support no war.

RUSSIANS AND ROUMANIANS OPPOSED.

PETROGRAD, Jan 27:

Serious fighting is reported from Brest Litovsk, between ’ the Russians and Roumanians, w T ho attempted to break through, inorder to regain Rusian territory, from which they were cut, off by the Roumanians.

' : .Heavy... artillery and monitors on the Danube have engaged in the attempts, which have so far failed. The ‘fighting continues.

BOLSHEVIKS’ SITUATION CRITI-

CAL.

TRYING TO PREVENT SEPARATE

PEACE,

BETWEEN UKRAINE AND AUS-

TRIA

Received 11.25

LONDON, Jan 28,

Vj I Mr. .Ransome,. from Petrograd, insists that the position ot the Bolsheviks is critical. The Conference of Soviets is discussing the question of peace or a holy war against the bourgeoises of the world. Mr. Ransome urges the Allied Governments to join Trotsky in making a separate peace with the Ukraine, ir the Allies join Trotsky at the peace conference it will have an overwhelming effect on the German people. Meanwhile the band of idealists who are striving to overcome the apathy of the masses and the active opposition of the propertied classes are forced into an impossible position. Owing to non-recognition, the Allies have put a weapon into the hands of the anti-Bolsheviks, and weakening the influence of the Central Empires. Non-recognition has strengthened the Ukranian Rada, which is bourgeoisie, and fears the Bolsheviks more than Austrians. The Rada is unhampered by uncompromising ideals and Is ready to conclude a separate peace with Austria on business terms as opposed by the idealistic terms of the Petrograd Bolsheviksi Mr Ransome opines there is a split in the Bolsheviks. Some now believe Russia is compelled to make peace owing to military weakness. Nevertheless, tire majority of the leaders are ready to take up Germany’s challenge. The ultimate decision will be with Trotsky, who does what will best serve a universal revolution. Trotsky is ready to sacrifice Russia to save Europe, and sacrifice Europe to save the world. The whole question now depends whether the Rada succeed in securing peace with Austria before the ever-growing Soviet movement in the Ukraine displaces it and brings the Ukraine into line with the rest of Russia in support of his policy. Trotsky has asked for an interval in the negotiations in order to allow the Soviets to conquer the Ukraine. If the Rada makes a separate peace Ukraine corn, which would prevent starvation in Petrograd, where already spotted typhus has appeared, will be diverted to Austria. This will bring Trotsky’s downfall, and anarchy of an appalling kind.