BOLSHEVIK CAUSE CHAMPIONED WITH ALLIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16761, 30 January 1918, Page 5

BOLSHEVIK CAUSE CHAMPIONED WITH ALLIES.

NON-RECOGNITION MAY HELP ENEMY NEGOTIATIONS. DANGER OF STARVATION BY UKRAINIANS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, Jan. 28. Mr. Stafford Ransom telegraphing from Petrograd, insists that the position of the Bolsheviks is critical, and that a conference of the Soviets was discussing the question of peace or a holy war against the bourgeoisies of the world, on Saturday night. Mr. Ransome urges the allied join M. Trotzky, and so prevent the Central Powers from making a separate peace with the Ukraine. If the allies join Trotzky their action will have an overwhelming effect on the German people. Meanwhile a band of idealists who are striving to overcome the apathy of the masses, and the active resistance of the privileged propertied classes, have been forced into an impossible position. Owing to non-recognition the allies have put a weapon into the hands of the anti-Bolsheviks, weakening the influence of the Bolsheviks upon the proletariats of the Central Empires. Non-recognition has also strengthened the Ukrainian Rada, which is bourgeoisie, . and fears the Bolsheviks more than the A'ustrians. The Rada is unhampered by, any uncompromising ideals, and is ready to conclude a separate peace with Austria on business terms, as opposed to the idealistic terms of the Petrograd Bolsheviks. Mr. Ransome believes that there will be a split in the ranks of the Bolsheviks. Some now believe that Russia is compelled to make peace owing to her military weakness. Nevertheless the Majority leaders are still ready to take up Germany's challenge. The ultimate decision will lie with Trotzky, who will do what is best to serve a universal revolution. Trotzky is ready to sacrifice Russia in order to save Europe, and to sacrifice Europe to save the world. The whole Question now depends upon whether the itSsta succeeds in securing a peace with Austria before the ever-growing Soviet movement in the Ukraine displaces it, and brings the Ukraine into line with the rest of Russia, in support oj Tfotzky's policy. Trotzky asked for an I interval in the negotiations in order to allow the Soviets to conquer the Ukraine. If the Rada makes a separate peace the Ukraine corn, which would prevent starvation in Petrograd, where already spotted typhus has appeared, will be diverted to 'Austria. This will bring about Trotzky's downfall and anarchy of an appalling kind.