BOLSHEVIK WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 May 1920, Page 5

BOLSHEVIK WAR.

THE FATE OF KIEFF. ITS CAPTURE UNCERTAIN; By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received May 7, 12.30 a.m. Londonj May 6. The recent report that the Poles captured Kiefl" is still unconfirmed. A Bolshevik wireless states the Reds are preparing defences westward of the town. The Bolsheviks claim they captured two million tons of oil in the Baku region; also that 60,000, the remnants of Denikin's army, have surrendered Aus-N.Z. Cable Assn. BOLSHEVIKS ADMIT RETIREMENT. London, May 4. A Bolshevik communique admits the retirement from the region of Kieff. A Moscow wireless message protests against the treatment meted out to prisoners of war by the Poles. It is alleged that the latter shot prisoners, beginning with Jews, whom they tortured. The Soviet threatens "reprisals against the Polish bourgeoisie hostages. Moscow also reports that a large number of the Russian bourgeoisie who fled to Asia Minor perished in the Black Sea, where 14 ships laden with refugees foundered.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

London, May 5. Though the Polish offensive into Russian territory has started well the Poles are confronted with a hard task, and uneasiness continues to be expressed in the London Press lest the initial victories should blind them regarding the perilous possibilities of precipitate action. That the Polish Government's action is not wholly supported is evidenced by advices from Warsaw which state that Ganhskn, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of Foreicn Affairs, has resigned after an excited discussion in which he attacked the Government's policy in the Ukraine. The committee eventually passed a, vote of confidence in the Government. '

Copenhagen, May fl. Krassen, head of the Russian trade delegation, in an invterview, said that all the Soviet Republics would take up the Polish gauntlet. He was confident of the result now the Soviets were again in possession of petroleum and coal. i

It is reported from Kovno that Poland has concluded a secret agreement with Finland. TJrls has alarmed Lithuania, Latvia, and Esthonia, who may combine in mutual defence against the new triplice of Finland, Poland and the Ukraine.

Warsaw, May 5. Owing to the disloyal conduct of German officials who are temporarily remaining at their posts in the. provinces ceded to Poland, the Polish Government, taking advantage of their rights under the Versailles Treaty, has notified the officials to leave Poland before August The German press is violently protesting.