ENEMY INVADING A PESTILENCE-RIDDEN LAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16783, 25 February 1918, Page 5

ENEMY INVADING A PESTILENCE-RIDDEN LAND.

FAMINE AND DISEASE MAY PROVE A PROTECTION. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. LONDON, Feb. 23.

The Moscow correspondent of the Daily Chronicle says he conversed with Austrian and German prisoners roaming in the streets, and found them dejected and indignant. They desired to return to their own homes, but were not permitted to go through their own front. They were sent back under promise that they would return via Finland, which route is now closed owing to (he upheaval there. There arc 1400 Austrians and Germans living in railway trucks at Moscow station, penniless, and dependent on the Bolsheviks' charity for food and drink.

The Pctrogrod correspondent of the Morning Post expressed the opinion that pestilence and famine will keep Russian soil safe from German inroads long enough to enable the allies on the west front to deal with the common enemy. The announcement of unconditional surrender was a stunning blow to the public. The Germans are making the most of their opportunity with lightning dashes into helpless Russia. Thousands of army horses were recently starved to death, and soldiers were selling forage to pay their gambling debts. The condition of Russian railways has long been deplorable. The Germans are gaining enormous booty and fighting material. They captured at Dvinsk sufficient food for a quarter million men for three weeks, also 30,000 tons of sugar, 600 locomotives, and 1000 waggons. The German invading forces, which have already overrun the entire war zone 100 miles deep, consist of only one division of cavalry or infantry. Polish legions were offered an armistice on condition that they give free passage in any direction. They are making towards Warsaw. Bolshevik party meetings showed the development of indignation towards Trotzky, who will probably resign.