The Daily News. MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1920. RUSSO-POLISH ARMISTICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1920. RUSSO-POLISH ARMISTICE.

The cable message from Loudon on Wednesday announcing that a Russo-Polish Armistice was to be signed on Friday seems almost too good to be true, yet it has official confirmation, and so must be accepted, and welcomed as one step more in the direction of peace. It by no means follows that there will be no further trouble between the Poles and Russians, before peace is absolutely assured, for on the Soviet Government no dependence can be placed. The fact that the Polish terms have been almost entirely accepted tends to show that the Bolsheviks must be in desperate straits; in fact, the Warsaw correspondent of the London Times states that they have made their last great effort, and are so thoroughly beaten that utter demoralisation had set in amongst the Red armies, many regiments having surrendered en masse. Apparently this collapse on the Polish front has been too premature to suit General Wrangel, who considers that another month's pressure by the Poles, as well as on the southern front, would set all Russia against the Communists. The approach of winter will not be without effect on the semi-starving millions] in Russia. By this time they have had ample experience of Red terrorism and tyranny, though it is apparent they have little faith in any form of government other than the iron rule to which for generations they have been subjected. There are not wanted indications that the Russian problem is approaching a criticalstage, aud that the possibility of law and order being re-established depends entirely on how the situation is l handled in the immediate future. There are so many conflicting interests in this vast country, each striving for supremacy, that' the task of reconstruction bristles with difficulties. It would almost l seem as if there must be a military' dictatorship exercised before the country can be made fit for democratic government. The impression prevails that the Russians must work out their own salvation in the same way as the Poles, and though the Allies are not likely to interfere in the process, they may be of service in helping to place Russia on a sound economic basis as soon as a dependable government exists there. The Reds have held power far longer than was considered possible, and they have still to be reckoned with as an inimical force that militates against the world's peace. It was inevitable that Russia should undergo terrible experiences before emerging into a cohesive State, and it is to be hoped that the time of her deliverance is at hand.