THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 16083, 13 December 1917, Page 7

THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

THE OPPOSITION TO GERMAN TERMS. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, December 11. The "Daily Chronicle's" Haparanda correspondent reports that the Bolsheviks are depressed over the annistico negotiations, and are making strong efforts to induce tho Allies to participate in tho negotiations. Germany offered an armistice if Russia withdrew from the occupied parts of Galicia anil from the Black Sea littoral. When informed of these demands, M. Trotzky and 31. Lenin appealed to Herr von Kuhlmann (German Foreign Minister) and Count Czernin (Premier of Austria-Hungary), liv wireless, to hasten a general peace. The Workers' Executive strongly opposes the German terms. BOLSHEVIK INFLUENCE WANING. (Renter's Telegrams.) PETROGRAD, December 11. Tliero are indications that the Bolshevik influence is Trailing. A detachment of Pavlovsk Guiirds paraded the Nevsky Praspekt, displaying banners inscribed "Down with the Bolsheviks." Lenin and Trotzky aro guarded by nominal supporters, and aro merely prisoners. It is suspected that they desire to escape. liouseowners in Petrograd are warned to safeguard their property for the next few days, as a further armed outbreak is feared. ANOTHER RISING FEARED. ("The Times.") PETROGRAD, December 11. Signs of distrust of tho Bolshevik Junta aro increasing, due to reticenco and a desire to monopolise power. It is stated that Moscow is becoming restive and wavering, and that the Bolsheviks, fearing a rising, have posted quick-firers in the streets. It is believed that M. Lenin w ill submit the armistice terms to the National Assembly, thus evading personal responsibility. The Cossacks control "the principal coal supplies. M. Trotzky states that tho Cossacks mounted quick-firers on the roofs at Rostoff, terrorising the population. Considerable forces have been detached and sent against tho Cossacks. German officers are indignantly protesting against the distribution of revolutionary leaflets, advocating a democratic peace. Officials here are unsympathetic, and propose to continue distributing. GENERAL DUKHONIN'S END. ("Tho Times.") PETROGRAD, December 11. An eye-witness of General Duklionin's death states that he -was dragged from the carriage, hurled into the air and caught on sailors' bayonets. On touching the ground he was again stabbed, bayoneted and shot, and left in a carriage. "\yhen his friends found the body it ivas almost stripped. Sailors kicked it into .a corridor. . OUTLOOK MOST OMINOUS. (Renter's Telegrams.) (Received December 13th, 12.10 a.m.) LONDON, December 12. Reuter's correspondent in Petrograd, telegraphing last night, states that the Revolutionary Committee invited tho ptople to demonstrate to-morrow with inflammatory watchwords. The outlook is most ominous. The newspaper "Praoza" announces a collison between the Maximalists and 4000 followers of Korniloff near Biolagorod. BERJJN S VERSION OF THE .NEGOTIATIONS. (Rcutor's Telegrams.) AMSTERDAM, December 11. A Berlin semi-official message states: "In the recent armistice negotiations the Russian conditions were astonishingly far-reaching, considering Russia's military situation. Germany Could, not agree to evacuate tho islands in the Gulf of Riga, and could not withdraw her troops from the Eastern front for six months, which Russia demanded. However, after further discussion, an agreement was reached, except on the question of the evacuation of the islands, which admits of no discussion. Tho statement concludes: —"In the ten days' truce, which was finally agreed upon, we see a good augury for the future.'" THE SOLDIERS BETRAYED. (United Service.) PETROGRAD, December 11. Mr Philip Price states that the Bolshevik army delegates have returned from the fronts. They reported that all tho soldiers complained that they wanted eight months' peace, and believed, they had been betrayed. They will wait no longer, but will rely on themselves. It is stated that a long armistice is intended. Tho Bolsheviks are aware of tho enemy's aims, hut would retaliate at the weakest spot. A million leaflets will be supplied to the German soldiers, assuring them of moral support in the event of revolutionary outbreaks. APPEAL TO THE COSSACKS. (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) Admiralty per Wireless Press. (Received December 12th, 11.5 p.m.) PETROGRAD. December 12. A Bolshevik appeal, addressed to tho Cossacks, says:— "It depends on you whether the blood of your brethren shall be shod. W« hold out our hands to you, and urge, you to unite with all the people against their declared enemies, Kaledin, "Korniloff, Dutoff, and Karavloff." CONFLICTING REPORTS. * ("The Times.") (Receivod December 13th, 12.30 a.m.) PETROGRAD, December 12. It is reported that the Cossacks defeated the Bolshevikists at Maholieff. The report is unconfirmed. Another message says that Korniloff's Cossacks had been defeated, and that Kaledin was sending reinforcements to Korniloff.