RUSSIAN SITUATION

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4813, 9 March 1918, Page 5

RUSSIAN SITUATION

NATIONAL SPIRIT REVIVING. BITTER HOSTILITY TO GERMANY. CORRESPONDENT’S INTERESTING VIEWS. ALLIES ADVISED TO WALK WARILY. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON. March 7. (Received March 8, 10.10 p.in.) The Daily Chronicle’s Petrograd correspondent states: — There are many indications that the disgraceful peace just imposed will not be the end of Russia, but the beginning of a strong Russia. It ends the old war, beginning a new, tougher, and more complex war. 1 insist,, despite the ruin and suffering caused by the Bolsheviki, that their leaders were not intent on only working for German interests. They were working fanatically for their own revolutionary terms, but have been worsted, and the chief violence of their wrath is now directed against German Imperialism, successfully stimulating them against German oppression and arousing patriotic feeling of a new type. The new Bosheviki enthusiasm is an asset, certainly one of the factors of revival of national sentiment, and shared by many other classes. Possibly the various currents of bitter hostility to Germany will coalesce in a big national, movement of resistance to German invasion. Hence, if a revival of national feeling is possible among our Russian Allies, it ought to be fostered. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate for ns that at the very moment the Russians are smarting under the bitter humiliation of defeat, they should be faced with the threat of Japanese occupation of Siberia, in the interests of the Allies The threat lias aroused the strongest resentment among all classes of Russians. The mere hint of occupation. without any indication of the aims or form of the occupation staggers our staunchest supporters, and perhaps awakens greater indignation than the cession of Kars and Bat<ium. to Turkey. Possibly it will ultimately be necessary, as a military measure, to safeguard Siberian supplies, but the d'anger is not immediate, and the threat of occupation lends color to repeated suggestions of callus.on among the belligerents and the possibility of peace at Russia’s expense, if Russia has any fight in her, she will need Allied direct military help. Let this come only as a result of the invitation and consent of the Russian people. Tlie newspaper Retch expresses serious misgivings at the carrying on of Anglo-American negotiations without Russia’s participation concerning the Japanese occupation- The French Government has proposed that the Allies give definite guarantees as to the integrity of Russia’s Asiatic possessions, but however valuable such guarantees, the fact remains that all agreements made regarding Russia without Russia’s consultation vam incompatible with her sovereign rights. He adds: “The absence of a stable form of government in Russia has confronted us with a new menace as a result of tlie situation depriving her of a voice in the decision of international questions.” ~ The United Press Petrograd correspondent states that all newspapers comment on Count Hertling’s, Mr. Balfour’s, and Baron Sonnino’s speeches, indicating a compromise at Russia’s expense. Japan’s proposed intervention is regarded as a blow against the revolution. The Russians appointed defence councils, consisting of Commissaries Schutzo, Bron, Chbrujevitgh, and Prosehain. Refugees say that Germans shot or hanged 200 Russian citizens at Qurieff. The Bolsheviki say that the American Embassy has been moved to Parm. The Ambassador has asked the Norwegian Ambassador to protect America’s interests in Petrograd. Six Russian students were shot for aiding a conspiracy to overthrow the Bolsheviki Government. The differences are growing stronger daily between the Leninists advocating the ratification of the peace terms and the Influence of the Bolsheviki groups demanding a. refusal. Possibly there will be a split at the Moscow Congress. Refugees say that Germans are endeavoring to form corps of Russians to reinforce Germans on the West front. They threaten death if men refuse to join.

THE PETROGRAD COMMAND. RESIGNATION OF KRYLENKO. Eeuter's Telegrams. (Received March 8. 7.20 p.m.) PETROGRAD, March t. Ensign Krylenko has resigned command of the city. JAPAN’S ATTITUDE. DEFERENCE TO UNITED STATES. AN INTERESTING SITUATION. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association WASHINGTON. March 7. Unofficial advice indicates that Japan is considering the United States representation. There is a growing belief that Japan will not act hastily. x lt is believed that Britain, France, and Italy support Japanese intervention.. ’ ' . .. The New York World editorially urges open diplomacy and a public statement of Japan’s intentions and America’s attitude thereto. The New York Herald strikes a new note by urging President Wilson to approve of Japan s protective measures in Siberia, also to send a small American force to co-operate, thus cementing the American and Japanese friendship. ' ' Senator Lewis, Democratic Whip, in a discussion on Japanese intervention in Siberia, stated: “The United States will not allow any conduct from any foreign peoples that win endanger the principle of democracy.”

JAPAN PROFOUNDLY STIRRED. IMMEDIATE ACTION CALLED FOR. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received March 8, 11.10 p.m.) TOKIO, March 7. The press and public are profoundly stirred by the Siberian debacle and there are frequent Cabinet meetings: ' , Though radical differences of opinion exist, the leading papers are clamoring for immediate action.