RUSSIA.

Taihape Daily Times, 22 February 1918, Page 5

RUSSIA.

DEMOBILISATION COUNTERMANDED.

PLANS TO RESIST GERMAN INVASION.

THE FATE OF PETROGRAD,

Received 10.35

NEW YORK, Feb 21

A United Press message from Petrograd states the authorities have ordered the stopping of the demobilisation of the Russian army and navy, and also ordered the troops to resist the German advance. Preparations are being made to defend Petrograd. PETROGRAD, Feb 21.

Headquarters express the opinion that if the German northern advance continues the fate of Petrograd will be decided in 48 hours. GERMANS STILL ADVANCING. LONDON, February 21. Wireless German official—We advanced twenty kilometres astride the Riga-Petrograd railway. We advanced o n wide sectors between Dviusk and Lutsk and are now marching on Rovno. W e prisonered 2500 and captured 100 guns and much rolling stock. We have entered Esthonia and passed through Werner PLEADING FOR THE ROMANOFFS. PETROGRAD, Fe*b. 20. A group of grand dukes and duchesses have petitioned the Bolshevik Government to permit the Czar and family to refuge in France and England. AUSTRIAN ATTEMPT TO JUSTIFY INVASION. AMSTERDAM, February 20. A semi-official Austrian statement, evidently intended to justify the invasion of Ukraine, says the revolt in Ukraine is purely a political pretext for the Bolsheviks ’ marauders, who are plundering, murdering and burning many 'utilising armed -motors and armoured, trains. Their swiftness hitherfo has prevented the Rada troops from coping with the marauders, Immediate action by the Central Powers is imperative.