RUSSIAN CRISIS.

Taihape Daily Times, 25 February 1918, Page 5

RUSSIAN CRISIS.

DVINSK CAPTURED BY ONE HUNDRED GERMANS.

Received 8.50. PETROGRAD, Feb 24

The Soviet chairman states that Dvinsk was taken by only 100 Germans owing to the local committee losing their heads. The Committee will be tried by a revolutionary tribunal.

GERMAN MARCHING ON,

LONDON February 23

It is reported that the Russian position on the northern front is criticial owing to the disorderly retirement blocking the roads 'With a view' to relieve the situation the Commissaries are despatching Red Guards from dettachments not yet entirely disorganised

The enemy have occupied the entire first line on the northern front on the Dvina, and are moving towards Vohnar, endeavouring to cut off Reval.

The Russian commander on the W r cst front has ordered the retiring armies not to fight or destroy ammunition pending Germany’s formal reply to Trotsky. PETROGRAD, February 23.

The enemy have advanced fifty miles on the whole front, Aeroplanes are distributing leaflets, advising calmness to be observed by the inhabitants. The Germans are bringing the restoration of order and food.

The advance is not being resisted anywhere. Forty thousand troops seized twenty-seven trains and fled back to Moscow. The Germans are not talking prisoners* pnerely disarming the soldiers.

POSITION REALISED TOO LATE

PETROGRAD, February 23. The Council of Commissaries has issued a manifesto which declares that the Republic is imperilled. It appeals to all citizens to enrol for the defence of the Revolution, and warns the Soviets to defend the positions to the last drop of blood. Railways must be destroyed and the stock of locomotives removed eastwards, The people are ordered to raise battalions and construct defences in cities and town's. The lawless elements must be expelled from the army, and discipline firmly maintained. The bourgeoise must enlist or be shot at sight.

Krylenko, in a proclamation states that the struggle continues, not for certain peace terms, butnto, end the Soviets ’ power. Germany’'is unable to throw large armies against Russia — only small detachments of 1000 to 2500 Krylenko appeals to small detachments to oppose the’ invader and check the forward movement. MILITARY GENERAL STAFF APPOINTED. PETROGRAD, February 23 A special military general staff of five has been appointed. It has resolved to mobolise the whole of the ablebodied men in the country, and to confiscate all property that may be necessary for purposes. Martial law has been established. The Bolsheviks’ north-western headquarters'’ staff have fled to Smolny, abandoning touch with the armies.

TROTSKY’S USELESS MISSION

LONDON, February 23

Trotsky has gone to Dvinsk for the purpose of stopping new hostilities. He carries Russia's reply to Germany’s demands, but it is expected that Germany will now insist on non-interven-tion in Ukraine, the stoppage of civil war in Ukraine, non-intervention in Finland, and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Finland. PEACE MESSAGE SENT TO ■* BERLIN. AMSTERDAM, February 23. A Russian courier delivered in Berlin a message of submission signed by Trotsky and Lenin. It was dated Wednesday. The courier returned emptyhanded, Germany intimating that a period may lapse before a reply is ready, because Dr. Kuhlmann has gone to Bucharest and is unable to give attention to the matter. Meantime the invasion proceeds, NEW YORK, February 24] Germany has renewed peace negotiations with Russia. TRAGIC STATE OF FLEET. PETROGRAD,, February 23. The disorganisations of the navy is irremediable. The majority of the crews oppose active defence. Some demand immediate discharge.

The situation at Reval is fragic_ The authorities desire to remove the 'warships to Kronstadt but ice prevents this. There is a similar position at. Helsingfors. The authorities are considering whether they ought to destroy the warships if it is impossible to intern them in Finland as neutral territory.