WAR IN RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1920, Page 5

WAR IN RUSSIA.

TROTSKY REPORTED DEAD. RUMOUR OF ASSASSINATION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Capyrlght. Received January 2, 2.35 a.m. Stockholm, Dec. 31. It is rumored that Trotsky, who was personally leading the Narva army, has been assassinated. Prisoners state that mutiny is rampant among the troops, owing to the winter hardships. Another report states that sailors hanged Trotsky, but this is not confirmed—United Service.

ARMISTICE WITH ESTHONIA.

INDEPENDENCE RECOGNISED.

Received January 2, 9.15 p.m. ~ London, Jan. 2.

The Eathonians and the Bolsheviks have signed a preliminary armistice With a view to peace negotiations. The armistice recognises Esthonia's independence.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A MILITARY COLLAPSE. DEFEAT OE ANTI-BOLSHEVIKS. London, Dec. 31. The debacle of the anti-Bolshevik forces threatens to become one Of the greatest military collapses in history. Part of Benikin''; force is retreating in poor condition towards Odessa, which civilians are evacuating. The rest of the beaten army, which a short time ago contained 200,000 bayonets, is now hurrying eastwards to the Bern country. Denikin and his staff arrived at Taganrog on board a battleship. Admiral Koltchak's plight is worse. He had at least 230,000 bayonets, but is now unable even to compose the quarrels among his own generals. Neither Denikin nor Koltchak have succeeded in administering the territories they conquered. Risings are repeatedly breaking out in the rear of the armies. The Ukrainian peasants feared the return of Czardom, while, despite Koltchak's white terror, the Siberians kept a strong semi-Bolshevik party alive.—United Service. Paris, Dec. 31-

The Zurich correspondent of the Echo de Paris reports that Demkin's army has been cut in two. It is reported that one portion has been thrown back on Odessa and that the other is retreating towards tlie mouth of the Don. The supreme command is now at Taganrog and headquarters on board a warship in the Black Sea.

Copenhagen, Dae. 31. Litvinoff, interviewed, claimed that the fact that Mr. O'Orady was returning on Satiirdav to resume negotiations indicated the Soviet's terms. Litvinoff addsd that peace was coming more quickly than was generally believed.—Aub.-N.Z. Cable Assn.