RUSSIA.

Taihape Daily Times, 11 June 1918, Page 5

RUSSIA.

THE RUSSIAN SITUATION. « GERMANS PREDICT A CHANGE. PRO-ALLY INFLUENCE. London, May 28. Reuter's correspondent at Moscow, writing, en May 13, states that the distribution of bread in Petrograd had , ceased, and had been replaced by pcI tatoes. Flour was unobtainable.. A popular out break was apprehended. The Central Committee of the Cadet Party passed a resolution in favour o: continued loyalty to the Allies and opposing the asking of German help tc reorganise Russia. A message from Amsterdam, states that the "Essen Zeitung" wains irs readers that Germany must reclccn with a change in the situation in Russia, and says that the pro-Entente Menshevik Party apparently has recently gained strong influence. Tile journal refers gloomily to the news of the plots at Kicff against the Gorman Government, and against the dictator, M. Skoropadski. Mr. Lovat Fraser, writing in the Daily Mail, says that Russia is an empty granary at present, but ultimately the Germans will be repaid a thousandfold for their invasions. Even next year they will have tne grain fields, and, with markets organised, they will become immensely productive, making the richest parts into a German India.

j Discussing the means of saving Rus. I sia, Mr. Lovat Fraser says that the . Murman railway was roughly laid, and that it is in bad repair. Archangel is closed for the winter, and trans-Sibe-ria is awkward; but there are other spacious channels of access. The truth is that the difficulties are political and not military. The Bolsheviks will accept assistance provided the Allies expres loyalty towards the Soviets. This is impossible, because Bolshevism is Tsardom upsiSe down. Mr. Fraser argues that the Allies should enter Russia with the avowed intention to assist to "still the elements," and overthrow the Bolsheviks. He admits that the decision depends upon Mr. Wilson. A message from Amsterdam quotes "Vorwaerts" as saying that Baron von Kuhlmann, German Foreign Minister, threatened to resign, if, despite the Brest-Litcvsk treaty, Esthonia and Livonia were taken from Russia. Nevertheless, the German Chancellor informed the so-called delegates from the two provinces, whom be received at German headquarters on April 21, that Germany was ready to support their request for their severance from Russia, and Avould benevolently examine the question of personal union with Prussia. Germany has now informed the Russian Government of the "independence" of Esthonia and Livonia.

MORE CHANGES IN RUSSIA. WHITE GUARDS NEARING PETROGRAD. Received 9.10 a.m. LONDON, June 10. The Morning Post's correspondent says Petrograd has reached another crisis. The air is saturated with astounding rumours, and the telegraph is placed under severe restrictions. Apparently a further kaleidoscopic I change is imminent. I The White Guards are fighting j their way from Finland towards Petrograd, also eastwards. It is believed Finland intends to demand and extension of the frontier to Ledousk, on the north bank of the Neva, which would be near where the Winter Palace and the British Embassy stand. Fighting is reported within one day's march of Petrograd. There are no physical barriers to protect the capital, but the Red ijuards have moved out. The best that can be saicMs that Russia is unbeaten, and may remain unbeaten, even if Petrograd and Moscow share the fate of Odessa, Kharkoff, and Kieff. It is Britain's vital interest to remain Russia's friend and ally. I

THE POLISH QUESTION. | DIFFERENCE BETWEEN" TEUTON. Received 8.55 a.m. AMSTERDAM, June 10. The "Weser Zeitung" hopes the sharp difference of opinion between the Germans and Austrians concerning Poland will not endanger the alliance. It points out that Count Burian favours an Austro-Polish solution, which Dr. Hertling strongly deprecates. CHAOS IN RUSSIA INCREASING. BOLSHEVIKS' POWER WANING. Received 10.5 a.m. LONDON, June 9. Mr. Field, Press correspondent at Stockholm, who recently escaped from Russia, cables: "Unless Bolsevlks are overthrown by the revolutionarydemocracy parties there will be a counter monarchical revolution in Moscow and Petrograd. Germany is aproaching the heart of Russia in order to pierce the supports of the Monarchists. An anti-Republic plot was recently discovered in Moscow for a simultaneous uprising in Moscow, Petrograd, and other countries, with Ger--1 man soldiers aiding. City workers and peasants are deserting the Bolsheviks, realising the terrible consequences or the Brest Litovsk peace. The financial and industrial life of Russia Is completely disorganised, the Bolsheviks ruling by foreign bayonets. Petrograd population is getting an eighth of a pound of bread daily." COPENHAGEN, June 9. The "Politiken's" Stockholm correspondent says advices from Russia indicate thai a great syndicate has been •.'orraeu under Government auspices to control the whole of the imports and export;, in order tc transfer from private interest to State interest the ! trade with foreign countries. Exports are to be based on the license" system. The syndicate comprises leading statesmen and financiers, who possess great stores of metals, oil, and hemp. Branches are being established in America, England, Scandinavia, and Amsterdam. SOVIETS BOYCOTTED. BOLSHEVIKS 4.ND GERMANS

FIGHTING. Received 11.20 a.m. MOSCOW, June 10. The anti-Soviet movement is assuming a threatening character amongst the workers, who boycott the Soviet delegates and even violently attack them. The number of anti-Soviet delegates was renewed by large majorities at the elections in several provincial towns Fighting occurred in the vicinity of Rostoff between the Bolsheviks anid Germans, resulting in the latter occupying Satavsk. Tchitcherine has protested to Berlin against the German movement in the Don Basin. THE FIGHT FOR PLEMONT. HEROIC FRENCH CAVALRY. Received 11.20 a.m. PARIS, June 10. About twelve enemy divisions have been identified. These, owing to losses, were further reinforced towards the close of the day by five more. The enemy multiplied his attacks in the centre, and advanced at terrible cost. One of the finest feats of the day was the defence cf Plemont by dismounted French cavalry, who were ordered to hold the position for three hours. The attack on Plemont began at four j o'clock. The cavalry held out till midday, and retired in good order, the Germans last night bringing up fresh divisions.

IMPORTANT STELLAR DISCOVERY Received 9.25 a.m. LONDON, June 10. The new star has been observed by five astronomers in different places in England, also at Madrid, and is regarded as the most interesting discovery since the appearance of Nova Perseia, recorded in 1901. .PEACE OF EUROPE IN TEUTON. HANDS. Received 11.20 am. AMSTERDAM, June 10. Vice-Chancellor von Payer, interviewed by the Neiuo Fred Presse, said: "After the war the maintenance of the peace of Europe will remain in the hands of Austro-Germany, and it" will be in good hands."' Schiedemann has accepted the vieepresidency of the Reichstag, and has promised to attend the Kaiser and court. The majority Socialist Party approved.