Siberian Situation.

Taihape Daily Times, 12 March 1918, Page 5

Siberian Situation.

ANTI-BOLSHEVIK FORCES.

PEKIN, March 10

Semi-official.—Semenov has been patrolling the Siberian railway as far as Karimskaya Junction. He commands a staunch disciplined force, which is awaiting guns and supplies. Recent retirement owing to lack of artillery. The Bolsheviks under German officers have some artillery, but are undisciplined and discontented. They have reached Daouricya, fifty miles from Manchuria. Many Cossack landowners have returned from Russia. They have seen anarchy there and are anxious to co-operate with Semenov to prevent Bolshevik domination at all costs. There is little doubt that Semenov, when better equipped, will collect forces enough to control the situation until more serious developments are threatened. The stocks at Vladivostock do not seem to be in immediate danger. They can be reached through Manchuria as the Amur railway is practically suspended owing to shortage of coal and rolling stock. The Germans are unable to be seriously aggressive in East Siberia, while the western railways are disorganised. Pro-Ally Russians in Peking, while admitting that the Japanese threat is proving a useful deterrent, state that the fear of intervention might throw Russia into Germany's arms. The Japanese Press now generally suggests a military expedition at present is unnecessary. Government action is thus hampered.