RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1917, Page 5

RUSSIA.

SWEDEN'S MEDIATION. EXTREMISTS DISCREDITED. 'Received Dec. 3, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Dec. 2. •Le Matin publishes a Copenhagen message stating that Sweden has agreed to become the peace mediator between Germany and the Bolsheviks. The paper adds: "It will be remarkable if a neutral uses its good offices in carrying out a manoeuvre engineered by a combination of Lenin, Trotsky, and the Kaiser's agents.." Copenhagen, Dec. 2. The Russian Legation has received Trotsky's telegram asking whether it is prepared to carry out the Workmen's, Soldiers', and Peasants' Delegates international policy. The Legation wired that the other Russian Legations were intimating they had no intention of answering a telegram emanating from usurpers and enemies of the Fatherland and traitors against the Allies.

THE QUESTION OF HELP. WHAT WILL JAPAN DO I NUMEROUS SUGGESTIONS. London, Dec. 2. A special article dealing viith the Russian position says that alter the publication of the secret treaties in Petrograd the Allies gave up hope that the Kolahcriks would be capable of honest dealing, and they are therefore exploiting the possibilities of geting aid to the Cadets, Kaledin, and other loyal forces, which are mainly grouped in south and southwest Russia.

Experts suggast a route through Persia, but the main topic is whether Japan will declare war against the Bolsheviks and occupy the Pacific seaboard. Though it is recognised to be most unlikely that Japan will send troops to Europe, M. Olemcnceau is a consistent advocate of this, and is anxious to arrange terms. It is fully agreed that the Loyalists in Russia are capable of making a strong fight. It may be impossible for thsm to hold the large 'Austro-German army tied to Russia, but their resistance would be stronger if Allied aid arrives. It is a mistake to regard Germany as rushing for a Russian peace. It is pointed out that the junkers and militarists fear the negotiations will enable Lenin and Trotsky to secure the troops from the front who are necessary for fighting against Kaledin, thus assisting to establish a revolutionary state which will be contagious and certain to affect German revolutionaries. Militarists claim that the evacuation of parts of Russia would not help peace and would affect the spldiers' inoral. Germany Bhould wait some months, meantime assisting Russia's more complete collapse by Bolshevik methods. The best experts scout the idea that Hindcnburg Is planning another early .blow for Paris, relying on new troops and an overwhelming number of guns, claiming that in the event of a Russian peace he' is more likely to attempt the complete overthrow of Roumania and launch a heavy attack against Salonika. Mr. Bourehier states that a German army order marked "Secret, not to be taken into the firing line," orders privates to carry out energetic propaganda amongst the Russians, with the object of disorganising them. Company commanders are made responsible for the success of the propaganda.

Colonel Repington suggests the reinforeemeii. and extension of the Mesopotamian force northward.

Other? favor a Japanese army being; Rfjnt acroes Siberia. It is claimed that, if encouraged, General Kaledin could seize Moscow and re-establish a decent Government. The loyal Roumanian armies, led 'by Generals Avaresco and Christesco, exceeds 300.000. These, with Techerbateff's force and other Russian units, might be. expected to support Kaledin.

KALEDIN'S ACTIVITY. Copenhagen, Dec. 2. Only the sth Russian Army supports the' Bolshevik armistice. It is reported that General Kaledin surrounded and arrested many Bolshevik officers at Rostov. General Kaledin commands one thousand Cossacks and large forces of infantry and artillery. M. Rodzianko is with him. Copenhagen, Dec. 2. It is now stated that General Kaledin's Cossacks total 100,000. BOLSHEVIK SCHEMES CONDEMNED. Petrogtad, Dec. 2. The Provisinnnl Government organ declares that Bolshevik peace negotiations opened by rebels can only lead to a disgraceful separate peace ruinous for Russia. The insane actions, if not firmly resisted by the army and people, will reduce Russia to political and economic slavery, provoke a breach with the Entente, and erase Russia's name from the list of great Powers and leave her to the mercy of invaders. ALL CLASSES STARVING Stockholm, Dec. 2. Travellers from Petrograd state that all classes arc starving. Lenin has proved unliable to solve the food problem, and has ruined his position witli the tower classes. Terrible hunger demonstrations are likely, ARMIES WILL STILL FIGHT. Washington, Dec. 2. Dispatches announce that Russian

officials in London arc advised tliat General Dnkhonin's armies will continue to fight, and that Russia will not tolerate a separate peace. The anti-Bolshevik elements are working quietly but effectively in South Russia and will achieve results shortly. LENIN'S CONFISCATION POLICY. London, Doc. 2. Lenin is hastening decrees nationalising all houses, And has commanded the seizure' of art treasures from the wealthy for national purposes. GERMAN PROPAGANDA CAMPAIGN. Washington. Dec. 2. Germany has organised a school on the cast front to teach soldier s how to spread nroPftjr"niln. •hnr.'ng completely to disorranise the Russian annie*