The Daily News. TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 1918. THE RUSSIAN CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 August 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 1918. THE RUSSIAN CRISIS.

The latest news from Kussia sliows that the course the Allies have' taken was the only possible means of making a commencement to oust the traitorous and anarchistic Bolsheviks, to check German domination, and to form the nucleus of a regenerating force that should result in Russia's salvation. The fact that Germany is becoming alarmed at the effect of Allied intervention is of itself significant of the wisdom of the Allies' policy, while it appears that the Bolshevik leaders and wreckers of Russia—Lenin and Trotsky —are contemplating flight to Germany ; but, though the wily Huns freely used and paid these traitors for dragging Russia into the Germa' nnet, it is very doubtful whether they will be allowed an asylum—other than a gaol—in Germany. There was quite a possibility of trouble arising between Finland and the Allies, but the very soothing and diplomatic reply to Finland's protest, coupled with the straight-forward and clear enunciation of the Allies' object, should convince Finland of the good intentions of the Allies, always provided the Germans do' not overpersuade the Finns not to put any faith in Germany's enemies. The Allies distinctly state that their object in occupying the Murman coast is to keep this means of communication with Russia, and 1o prevent German domination. In effect, they state that they have gone to Russia as true friends, to help, and not to hinder, Russian evolution; to drive out the invader, and not to seek territory; to open up the way to freedom, and to help the country and its people to again become strong and self-reliant. There is the ring of true helpfulness in this reply, and it is evident that 'the Bolsheviks can see that their >days.ot tyranny and bloodshed are .numbered. Without doubt the 'position in Russia is-rapidly drifting into one of intense interest .white are immeasurable. Iftenotadvisable to take a view that Js*too -optimistic; but t he time-h M apparently arrived! -when fitting measures, having for M*ar ob#sct the of! the country, should have a fair! •chance of access. At any rate it'

merit, and already there are signs that the seed is falling on good ground. The landing of the Japanese at Vladivostock, and their preparations on a considerable military seale, coupled with the Allied landing at Archangel and the advance of the Czecho-Slo-vaks, point to a practical foundation for the future of Russia. The Czecho-Slovaks control the Volga along the greater part of its length, and apparently are in the vicinity of Kazan, on the Volga, where the Bolsheviks claim to he reinforcing their troops. It is also stated that the Czechoslovaks are marching on Moscow. At Kazan the Volga takes a turn to the north-west, and runs within 150 miles of Moscow, passing that city on the north-east, and cutting across the Moscow—Archangel railway, which passes through Jaroslav, where heavy fighting has taken place between the Bolsheviks and the Counter-revolu-tionaries. It will be seen, therefore, that it is probable the Allied forces at Archangel may get into touch with the revolutionary forces, via the Moscow—Archangel railway, thus cutting off the Bolsheviks from Siberia. Apparently the dawning of what is hoped will be the new era will eventuate in this region, for one of the purposes of the British force at Archangel is said to be the organising and training of the Czechoslovaks. So little reliance can be placed on wireless messages from Russia—owing to the service being controlled by the Bolsheviks —that it is difficult to know what is really happening; but it would seem that there has been fightin» between the White Guards and the Bolsheviks near Archangel, and that the latter are openly hostile to the Allies. In that event it will be necessary to take a bold course, and treat these anarchists as enemies of their country. The matter is one that entirely depends on the course of action of the Bolsheviks. .As Archangel is frozen over for nearly half the year it Would seem to be advisable for the Allies to advance upon Moscow and possibly Petrograd, as well as trom trie ice-free port of Ekaterina.. In all probability a show of firmness and vigor would in a few Weeks bring the best part of the Russians into harmony, with the Allies' aims.