WAR OFFICE WARNING.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 January 1920, Page 5

WAR OFFICE WARNING.

I MEED RECEPTION IN BRITAIN. NO SUPPORT FOR WAR. Received Jan. 20, 9.5 p.m. London, Jan. IG. The Imperial General Staff's declaration that war clouds are looming in Asia met with a mixed reception. The Westminster Gazette states: "Churchill does not convince the public that the Bolsheviks intend aggression. It is notorious that Mr. Churchill supports a policy of crushing the Bolsheviks by military campaigns, which, the Premier regards as insane. Nothing short of conclusive evidence that a renewal of war in Europe and Asia is compelled by the Bolsheviks' ambition will secure support for campaigns, the expenditure on which would be illimitable. No one can foresee the end of such wars.

General Maurice, in the Daily News, says the Bolsheviks will not attempt invasions unless as counter strokes to the Allies' campaigns. The only safe policy is to open the door to Russia and let the League of Nations investigate the facts. The Daily Herald brands the meeting of the war chiefs at Paris as ominous, and adds: "They are plotting new wars while conscription is still law. Britain's warmongers are Labor's enemies, and are making a last effort to excite the public mind to a war fever by scare cries that white women in India are in danger." The paper urges Mr. Arthur Henderson to convene urgently the Labor Executives at London. The Manchester Guardian declares the unexpected strength of the interventionists came from America, which is scared by the Bolshevik bogey, and wishes to lynch the Soviet idea. The Guardian adds that it has information that the American hysteria is decreasing. Other newspapers regard the situation as strong evidence that the Bolsheviks intend world-wide campaigns of propaganda, backed by armies, as being the only hope of maintaining the Soviet system in Russia.—United Service.

SITUATION IN SIBERIA. WITHDRAWAL OF THE AMERICANS. Received Jan. 20, 7.30 pm. Washington, Jan. 17. Mr. R. Lansing (Secretary for State) has published the Note sent to Japan stating that the United States had decided to concentrate the American forces in Siberia at Vladivostock with a view to their departure about January 2. The Note points out that American troops were originally sent to Siberia for the purpose of aiding the self-govern-ment of Russia, but the presence of the troops now will have an opposite effect and possibly prolong the period of Russian readjustment, involving needless sacrifices on the part of Japan and the United States.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. New York, Jan. 16. The Washington correspondent of the New York Times says that it is understood that the intention of the United States to withdraw her troops from Siberia has presented an embarrassing problem to the Hara Ministry, which may be compelled to resign. There is also a probability that Japan will not attempt single-handed to stem the Bolshevik advance and she will probably also withdraw her troops.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

[Mr. N. D. Baker, the Secretary for War, announced last week that the withdrawal of the American troops from Siberia would begin immediately.]

LESS TERRORISSM. LENIN BEHAVING BETTER. Received Jan. 20. 9.5 p.m. Copenhagen, Jan. 16. Advices depict the Soviet leaders on the best of behaviour. Lenin has renounced capital punishment, and has dispensed with this weapon of terror, though he is threatening to reimpose it if the Allies intervene. Derjinaky's extraordinary commission has been disbanded. Litvinoff stated the debacle of the Whites would permit also the freedom of the press.—United Service. PROGRESS OP THE THRUST. BOLSHEVIKS REACH MONGOLIA. Received Jan. 20, 7.55 p.m. Washington, Jan. 17. According to advices received from Tokio, Bolshevik forces have arrived at Kiatha, on the Mongolian frontier.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.