RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 March 1918, Page 5

RUSSIA.

THE MOSCOW CONGRESS. SPLIT AMONGST THE LEADERS. Petrograd, March 7. Differences are growing stronger daily between the Leninists who advocate ratification of the peace terms and influential BBoßlshevik groups who demand their refusal. There will possibly bea split at the Moscow Congress. New York, March 7. The United Press Petrograd correspondent states that the Foreign Office has moved to Nijni Novgorod. The exodus of civilians from Petrograd continues. Ottawa, Mareli 7. The United Press Petrograd correspondent states that all the newspapers regard the speeches of Count Hertling, Mr. Balfour, and Baron Somiino as indicating a compromise at the Russian expense. The proponed Japanese intervention is regarded as a blow against the revolution. The Russians have appointed a Defence Council consisting of the Commissaries Sehutko, Baron Chbrujevitch and Prosehain. Refugees say that the Germans shot or hanged 20 Russian citizens at Qur'ieff. The Bolsheviks say that Mr. Francis has moved the American Embassy to Perm, and asked the Norwegian Ambassador to protect Americans in Petrograd. Six Russian students have been shot for aiding a conspiracy for the overthrow of the bolshevik Government. A NEW AND STRONGER RUSSIA ARISING FROM THE DISGRACEFUL PEACE. London, March 7. The Petrograd correspondent of the Daily Chronicle states that there are many indications that the disgraceful peace just imposed will not be the end of Russia, but the beginning of a strong Russia. It is the end of the old war and the beginning of a new, tougher and more complex war. "I insist," says Dr. Williams, "that, despite the Russian sufferings caused by (he Bolshevik*, their leaders are not intentionally working for German interest. They were working fanatically for their own revolutionary aims, but were worsted, and the chief "violence of their wrath is now directed against German Imperialism, and thev are successfully stimulatinsr against German oppression patriotic feeling of a new type." THE VOICE OF RUSSIA. NOT HEARD NOW IN INTERNATIONAL MATTERS. OCCUPATION OP SIBERIA PILLS THE OCJP OF BITTERNESS. Received March 9, 12.25 a.m. London, March 8. The Daily Chronicle's Petrograd correspondent, continuing, stages that the mere hint of occupation without any indication of aims or forms of occupation staggers our staunchest supporters, and perhaps awakens more indignation than the cession of Kas or Batoum to Turkey. Possibly it will ultimately be necessary as a military measure to safeguard Siberian supplies, but the danger is not immediate. The threat of occupation lends color to the repeated suggestions of collusion among the belligerents and the possibility of peace at Russia's expense. If Russia has any fight in her she will need the Allies' direct military help. Let this come only as a result of invitation and by consent of the Russian people. The newspaper Retch expresses serious misgivings as to the carrying on of Anglo-American negotiations without Russians participation concerning Japanese occupation. The French Government proposed that the Allies should give definite guarantees regarding the preservation of the integrity of Russia's Asiatic possessions, but. however valuable sueh guarantees may be, the fact remains that all agreements are being made regarding Russia without Russia's consultation, which is incompatible with her sovereign rights. The paper adds that in the absence of a stable form of government Russia is confronted by a new menace, the result being a situation depriving her of a voice in the decision Of international questions. JAPANESE INTERVENTION. STRONGLY RESENTED. Received March 8, 5.5 p.m. London, Mareli 7. This new Bolshevik enthusiasm is an asset. It certainly is one of the factors in the revival of the national sentiment, and is shared by many other classes, It is possible the various currents of bitter hostility to Germany will coalesce j in a big national movement of resistance to German invasion. Hence, if a revival of national sentiment is possible the j Russian allies ought to oe fostered. Nevertheless it is unfortunate for us that at the very moment the Russians were smarting under the bitter humiliation of defeat they were faced with a threat of Japanese occupation in Siberia in the interests of the Allies. The threat has aroused the strongest resentment amongst all classes of Russians. GENERAL KRYLENKO RESIGNS. Received March 8, 750 p.m. Petrograd, March 7. General Erylenko, commander in chief of the Bolshevik forces, has resigned the command of the city.