SIBERIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1920, Page 5

SIBERIA.

KOLTCHAK'S RETREAT.

A CHAOTIC SITUATION, By TelcsraDli-—Press Assn.—Copyrialit. Received January 1, 5.5 p.m. Peking, Dee. 30. The condition of Admiral Koltchak'a retreating troops is appalling, and to this is added the utmost political confusion, while Admiral Koltchak'a advance is delayed. The Premier and the remainder of the Government at Irkutsk are quarrelling. The Socialist municipal body bitterly opposes the Gover novti, and is prepared to compromise with the Bolsheviks. A dangerous revolt is threatened, and the local troops are totally unreliable. Companies sent out to suppress an adjacent rising murdered their own officers and joined the Bolsheviks, of whom there are many bands operating west of Lake Baikal. Even the Czechs, who are the most stable element in Siberia, are more gym* pathetic towards the Socialists than the Government. The Allies must decide whether they will continue to support an incompetent and intensely unpopular administration. Otherwise early Japanese intervention is imperative,—Times Service.

JAPANESE REINFORCEMENTS.

LARGE ENOUGH TO DEFEAT BOLSHEVIKS. Received January If 7.5 p.m. London, Dec. 31. The World's Washington correspondent says it is authoritatively stated that an understanding has been reached between tile United States and Japafl, under which Japan will have a free hand in any military measures necessary to protect its interests in Siberia. It is announced that Japan has sent a fresh force to Siberia, sufficiently large to defeat the Bolshevik arms.—Aus.-N.Z. I Cable Assn. /

ATTITUDE OF JAPAN. WILL ACT WITH THE ALLIES. Received January 1, 11.20 p.m. London, Dec. 30. The following official bulletin has been issued in view of Koltchak's retreat in Siberia, and the Japanese determination to stem the flow of Bolshevism: —

The whole situation is being reviewed by the Japanese Government in consultation with the Allies and United States. At present Japan has 30,000 troops along the Trans-Siberian railway, and the United States 7000. It is understood that Japan will act only after discussion with and the co-operation of the Allies. If necessary, Japan is prepared to increase her forces in Siberia. Meanwhile, arrangements are completed for the early repatriation of Czecho-Slovak troops, which are concentrated near Vladtvoatock.—Renter Service.