GERMAN ALARM AT RUSSIAN SITUATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 195, 16 August 1918, Page 5

GERMAN ALARM AT RUSSIAN SITUATION.

GOVERNMENT URGED TO DECLARE ITS WAR AIMS. (Received 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, August 13. The "Daily Chronicle's" Amsterdam correspondent states that Berlin political circles anticipate, the decision of Poland will not favour Austria, but will recognise the so-called Independent Kingdom, though it will be really under German authority. The conference is likely to settle the boundaric. of Poland, Lithuania, and Finland, and choose their rulers. ran-Gcrmans oppose such schemes on the ground that the new kingdoms may develop disloyalty in the future. The only solution is annexation. However, Russia is the worst problem. The news which has reached Berlin paints the picture daily in more sombre colours. Alarm in political circles increases. Meanwhile the entire German Press urges the Government to declare ite war aims. The "Hamburger Nachrichten" declares that Germany's reverses on the Marne and the Somme have produced deep emotion, and advises Count yon Hertling, the Chancellor, to support the proposed League of Nations to prevent future wars. The demand seems strange, but the *Westfalisehe Zcitung," which is equally Imperialistic, supports the demand, explaining that it must he coupled with independence of Ireland, Egypt, and other portions of the British Empire—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) CZECHO-SLOVAKS MAY BE CUT OFF. " VLADIVOSTOK, August 15. The Czecho-Slovak- in Siberia are in a dangerous position, being liable lo be cut off. The force is distributed over 3000 miles of railway between the Volga and Lake Baikal, is largely unarmed, and Ls deficient in equipment, clothing, artillery, and ammunition. The whole region is cut off from tho Far East. The Czechs here are anxious to help their compatriots and contemplate fighting their way from the Manchurian frontier to the Baikal district. They are poorly equipped and are likely to meet with disaster, unless the presence of Allied troops disheartens the Bolshevik and prisoner forces. The Czechs desire to relieve their compatriots before the Siberian winter. This will be impossible without Allied co-operation on a larger scale than has been arranged. The bridges ahead arc broken and tho rolling stock has been removed. The enemy is busily enforcing the enlistment of the local population. Tlie war prisoners arc liberally mixed with all units, and German officers aro in command.—("Times.") Tho Vladivostok correspondent of the "Daily Mail" states that the Germans have commenced conscripting Russians of from 18 to 45 years of age, trying and shooting those refusing to mobilise. The conscripted units arc officered by Germans. — (United Service.)