KOLCHAK'S RETREAT.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 187, 8 August 1919, Page 5

KOLCHAK'S RETREAT.

CAPTURE OF CHELYABINSK. BOLSHEVIK ADVANCE. FIVE THOUSAND PRISONERS. {By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 11.10 a.m.); LONDON, August 7. The Bolsheviks claim that they took much booty and 1500 prisoners in the ■ region of Cheliabink, an important junction on the trans-Siberian railway. In a further advance eastward from Chelyabinsk 4000 prisoners an armoured train were captured.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) From out of the welter of conflicting factions which arose after the Czechoslovak campaign in Siberia concluded last year Admiral Kolchak made himself supreme in Aeiatic Russia, overwhelming hie early rivals, Seminotf and Horvat. He rules as a dictator, without the help of any National Assembly—a position which his continued series of successes has allowed him, till recently, to maintain—though he is pledged to the Allies to call elections for euch a body immediately all Bolshevik opposition is quelled. He is variously represented as a licentious tyrant and as an ardent and higheouled patriot, but most accounts agree that he has at least established a wellordered life in Siberia. The Allies, some time ago, decided to officially recognise Admiral Kolchak, and to support his campaign with supplies, though without the co-operation of troops. A condition to this help, as already 6tated, was that Kolchak .could take steps to establish a representative Government as soon as he had definitely liubdued opposition. Some months ago Kolchak, after subduing Siberia, started on his advance Into European Russia, and conducted hid 'campaign with great success, several important victories being won and numerous important towns being captured. Indeed, as the advance continued, with the co-operation of General Denikin in the south, Moscow -was threatened, and up to two months ago there seemed every prospect that Kolchak would enter the old capital in a few weeks. Early in June, however, the Bolsheviks reported ~ that the Admiral had been crushingly defeated,- and his forces started a retreat which is evidently etin continuing. The avacuation of Chelyabinsk, reported by the cable, means that Kolchak has now been driven out ol European Russia.