FEAR OF GERMAN ADVANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1919, Page 5

FEAR OF GERMAN ADVANCE.

' LETTS WANT-PEACE. ■ Received Oct .14, 7.20 p.m. London, Oct. 13. American correspondents in the Baltic agree that the Esthonians and the Letts are more afraid of the German advance than they are of the Bolsheviks. The Chicago Tribune representative states that the Letts are hastening peace negotiations with the Bolshevists with a view to bringing all their forces against the Germans. The correspondent adds: Finland and Esthonia are placing hindrances in the way of the Allies' civil and military representatives. A strong movement is towards peace with the Soviets, who promise independence. Lateßt telegrams describe extraordinary scenes at Riga, part of which the Letts hold. They have destroyed bridges across the Dvina, but they have a drawbridge by which they can secure connection with the other part of the city. German aeroplanes, flying low, matter bullets and bombs on the Lettish guns, and direct the German fire. Some shops are open, but the streets are almost deserted.—'United Services. THE GERMAN POLICY. EMBARRASSING NOTE FROM ALLIES. Received Oct. 14,11.15 p.m. Berlin, Oct. 14. The stern Allied Note has created unmistakeable embarrassment. There is evident a desire to escape acceptance of decided commitments towards Russia. Theodore Wolff advises the Government to develop a definite Russian programme. Herr Rundschau insists that there will be a great increase of Spartacists in Germany if the troops are compelled to Teturn from the Baltic.—United Service. THE ATTACK ON RIGA. GREAT DAMAGE TO THE CITY. London, October 13. The Helsingfors correspondent of the Daily Telegraph states that Bermondt, on Saturday, carried the district of Riga on the left bank of the river. The city was greatly damaged by Friday's bombardment. The majority of the houses along the railway were destroyed and many of the inhabitants were killed or wounded. The majority of the attackers, were Germans. Yudenitch's troops crossed the Luga with many tanks, which were most effective against the Bolsheviks. The airmen flew simultaneously a long distance over the" enemy' lines, bombing and wrecking trains and disorganising supplies. The Bolsheviks retreated to' Yamburge and they are about to withdraw, as they consider Pskoff seriously menaced on their flank. A telegram via Basle states that long columns of Esthonians left Segewald for Riga to reinforce the Lettish lines. Other Esthonians were shipped to Li-bau.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Helsingfors, Otetober 12. The Bolsheviks have abandoned Pskoff. A Bolshevik wireless message admits the loss of Yamburg after fierce fight-ing.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LETTS RE-ENTER RIGA. | OPPOSITION TO AN ARMISTICE. Received Oct. 15, 1.25 a.m. Copenhagen, Oct. 14. A Lettish communique dated Oct. 12th, states: Ths Letts succeeded in recrossing the Dvina in the direction of Mitau and occupying the suburbs of Riga on the left bank. Mobilisation is in full awing every* where. The Livonia Cabinet and the National Council, as well as Government officials, moved to Wenden on the 10th. inst., but the Premier and the Minister of Justice have now returned to Riga. The entire Letti'h presß opposes the acceptance of General Bermondt's offer of an armistice on the ground that previous experience shows the Germacs in Courland cannot keep treaties.— Reuter. BRITISH EVACUATION. LAST TROOPS LEAVE MURMANSK | London, October 13. , With the departure of the last troopship from Murmansk the British evacuation of North Russian has been completed. The King sent a message to FieldMcrshal Sir Henry Rawlinson congratu- [ lating him upon the success of a difficult | operation completed with skill. Thg courage, discipline and endurance displayed enabled the troops to be withdrawn from contact with the enemy, transported great distances and embarked with practically no loss of life. f It was specially gratifying that the withdrawal was effected in such a manner as to leave the loyal Russian forces in a position favorable for continuing an active and resolute defence.—Aus.MZ. Cable Assn. EVACUATION OF MOSCOW. Received Oct. 15,12.3G a.m. London, Oct. 14. A wireless message has reached Berlin announcing the evacuation of Moscow. A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE. Berlin, October 12. The German Foreign Minister, Herr Muller, denies knowledge of the West Russian Government, which apparently consists solely of General Bermondt. a soldier of fortune who now claims the title of Price Avaloff. He served with the Russians against Japan and was among the 2000 Russian officers whom the German Government rescued at Kieff from the fury of Petlura'sf followers. Many of his 15,000 troops are disbanded German officers seeking adventure.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.