RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1918, Page 6

RUSSIA.

ANOTHEI! CRISIS. I WHITE GUARDS NEARING PIiTROGRAD, London, Juno 10. Tho correspondent of the Morning, Post say.-, that Petrograd is reaching another crisis. The air is saturated with astounding rumors. The telegraphs have been placed under severe restrictions, Apparently a further kaleidoscopic change is imminent. The White Guards are lighting- their way from Finland towards Petrograd, also eastward. It is believed Finland intends to demand an extension of her frontier to the north bank of the Neva, which would mean that the Winter Palace and the British Embassy would stand on the frontier line. Fighting is reported within one day's march north of Petrograd, There are no physical barriers to protect the capital, but the Red Guards have moved out. The best that can be said is that Russia is unbeaten, and may remain unbeaten if Petrograd, Moscow, and Smolensk do not follow the fate of Kursk, Kharkoff, and Kieff. It is Britain's vital interest to remain Russia's friend and ally.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. STATE CONTROL OF TRADE. Copenhagen, June 9. The Politjken's Stockholm correspondent says that advices from Russia, indicate that a great syndicate has been formed under Government auspices to control the whole imports and exports, in order to transfer from private interests to the State the trade with foreign countries. Exports will be based on the license system, file syndicate comprises leading statesmen and financiers. It possesses great stores of metals, oil, and hemp. Branches are being established in America, England, Scandinavia, and Amsterdam.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.