REVOLUTIONARY RUSSIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3336, 20 February 1918, Page 37

REVOLUTIONARY RUSSIA.

STATE OF CHAOS CONTINUES. MURDER AND ROBBERY RAMPANT. THE UKRAINE PEACE TREATY. GERMAN DESIGNS IN THE NORTH. BREST-LITOVSK NEGOTIATIONS. (By Cable). _- It is reported that Russia has signed peace with the Central Powers. The peace treaty secures the maintenance of the .pre-war frontiers between Austria and Russia and the evacuation of* the occupied territory as soon ae the treaty is ratified'by both parties. There will be no reparation or indemnities on either side, but a mutual exchange of surp'us agricultural and industrial products will be made before iuly 31. A special commission will fix the quantity, quality, and prices. The general Russian tariff of 1903 will be maintained.

At the Brest-Litovsk conference the President-' of the Russian Delegation stated that Russia, while desisting from signing a formal peace treaty, declares that she has ended a state of war with Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, and Bulgaria, and is giving orders for a complete demobilisation of the Russian forces on all fronts.

The Matin's Stockholm correspondent, in an interview with Kameneff, states that the Germans at Brest-Litovsk from the beginning systematically hampered peace. General Hoffmann, with cynical frankness, showed him a map of the future German frontier, which left only the Pinsk marshes to Russia. They thereupon broke off the negotiations. The Soviets declared that the frontiers must not be traced with the point of the sword but by the will of the people. Separate peace between Germany and Russia was improbable; they would regard it as a misfortune. He* did not expect the resumption of hostilities by Russia. He believed- the German people would disavow its Government and refuee to fight against Russia. He considered that the Ukrainians betrayed the Russians. The New York Herald's Stockholm correspondent has interviewed Orlovsky, the Bolsheviks' Ambassador in Sweden, who said that the Bolshevlrs were now nearer war with Germany than they had been ever since the revolution.

The Augsburger Zeltung (Switzerland) learns authoritatively that the final conference at Brest-Litovsk on Sunday was stormy. The German newspapers are misled in describing it as an amicable discussion, resulting in an understanding. No peace decision was reached, but after warm speeches by von Kuhlmann, Count Czernin, and M. Trotsky, the negotiations were brutally ruptured, leaving all the seeds of future, conflict.

The German press is already accusing the Bussi'ans, and not merely the Bolsheviks, of criminal designs. The Stuttgart Tageblatt declares that the Kaiser and the military chiefs are conferring at headquarters upon the eventuality of entering upon military measures against the Russians.

The sincerity of Trotsky is now strongly suspected at Berlin, and it is feared that he is raising an army behind the lines. All German newspapers note that Trotsky can : celled ,the order for demobilisation three hours after it had been issued. The Mitlazeitung declares that the demobilisation was a sham. The main front is breaking up, but the soldiers are reforming in the interior with a view to constituting an army of a million men, probably to embarrass Germany during peace negotiations with the Allies. According to a Berlin report the final scene at Brest-Litovsk von Kuhlmann stated that as peace had not been concluded' with Russia the armistice had ended. Therefore the war must be recommenced.

The Matin's Zurich correspondent states it is formally confirmed that if M. Trotsky does not give Germany a clear answer whether Russia wants war or peace German troops will march on Reva.l and Petrograd. It is reported that a German conference of political and military heads decided, in iview of Trotsky's evasion, that they were quite free to renew the war against Russia. The first operation will probably be to support Ukrainia. A well-informed authority states that Trotsky returned to Petrograd and told the people he had cleverly avoided the German conditions, but German troops would follow him.

All 'reports from Germany suggest that the Government is seeking an excuse and opportunity to reattack Northern Russia in order to ensure peace for Ukrainia, which would secure supplies of wheat. Inspired messages to this effect have been published in German newspapers. There are indications that vjerrhany is' preparing to move against the Bolsheviks. All the German commissioners have left Petrograd. Russian official: M. Trotsky has asked the German Government for information concerning the message from Generals Hoffmann and Samoila, in which they state that war will be resumed at mid-day on Monday. M. Trotsky claims that there should be seven days' notice before the resumption of hostilities. THE UKRAINE PEACE TREATY. The terms of peace show, besides maintaining the pre-war frontiers, that Ukraina is to receive the whole of Volhynia, a strip of South-eastern Poland, and part of Grodno. A Hague message says that the Socialist Majority Party's newspapers disclose the fact that Germany's hopes are largely based on the moral effect of the Ukrainian peace on the Allies. Long, faked telegrams describe how the anti-German alliance is tottering, how Britain Ja on

the verge of starvation and collapse, which the treachery of pacifist workers is expected to complete. When news of the Ukrainian peace was received the Kaiser Bald that before the war the whole world was walking on wrong paths. God made us go through a hard school to teach us whither we should walk. God made the effort to bring one people after another into the right way, and now sets before the Germans the great task of bringing peace, in which the world "will seek justice and do good. The Kaiser has telegraphed to von Hin denburg that Russians readiness to cease hostilities was due to Hindenburg's magnificent and crushing victories, adding that Hindenbvfrg arid his army were the real peacemakers.

The Pan-German newspapers echo the Kaiser's message to Hindenburg, and declare "that victory will be won by the sword alone.

Advices from Vienna state that the people were madly overjoyed at the news of the Ukrainian peace, shouting " Now we will have plenty of food."

The Austrian Emperor has issued a manifesto to his subjects on the occasion of concluding peace with Ukrainia, stating that when he came to the throne he felt himself in union with the people in a steadfast resolution to fight out the struggle forced on them till an honourable peace was achieved. They had taken the first step towards the realisation of that end, and he trusted a general peace would soon be granted to suffering humanity. A Vienna message etates that in accordance with the terms of peace with Ukrainia Austro-Hungarian troops have entered Brody. Thus the last big town in East Galicia has reverted to Austria-Hungary. A Russian wireless official message from Brest-Litovflk states that information has .reached Trotsky that, prior to February 8, the whole of Kieff was in the hands of the Soviets with the exception of the Pechersky Monastery, where, the remnants of the forces of the Kieff Rada were entrenched. The last stronghold was captured on February 8, and the. remnants of the Rada forces fled.

Nothing now remains of the Rada but a sad memory, and its delegation to Brest; Litovsk is therefore a non-existent authority. The latest Bolshevik arrivals from Russia ridicule the idea of peace. They declare that the Rada is thoroughly impotent. The Soviets now control all the big towns in Ukrainia. The Bolsheviks, while demobilising tho regulars, will organise extensive forces for guerHla warfare in the evept of the Austro-Uermans attempting hostilities. Kieff and Petrograd will henceforth act conjointly, corresponding while treating. Germany is anxious to prevent Russian news from reaching the outside world and thence percolating to the Central. Empires. The Germans have severed the direct cable between Petrograd and-Sweden, and practically all Rmsian news is now edited in Berlin. The Cologne Volks Zeitung states that positive information exists that the Bolsheviks are concentrating for the Invasion of Ukraina, but Germany will not permit Trotsky to r<sb her of the fruits of the Ukrainian peace. i The Ukrainian Rada has sent a wireless message stating that Kieff is attacked on all sides, and a fierce battle is proceeding. The Rada appeals for military technical assistance, and the Central Powers are sending military guards to occupy the mdst important ports and harbours. Vienna advises that the Central Powers will p'rovivde Ukrainia with military assistance in defence of the grain stocks and railway junctions against the .Bolsheviks. An inspired statement- in the Austrian press explains that the food shortage necessitated peace with Ukrainia, which could only be reached by the cession of Kholm.

The Volks Zeitung claims positive knowledge that the Bolsheviks are concentrating troops and menacing the authority in Ukrainia.

It is expected that the Kaiser will issue a proclamation on the 16th inat. granting Lithuania autonomy subject to German protection. The Frankfort Gazette states that war with Biussia recommenced on Monday. The Tyd's Berlin correspondent states that the Germans are concentrating in the "Ukraine for the purpose of attacking the Bolsheviks. The Germans fear outrages by the JRed Guards, and threaten reprisals if German prisoners in Northern Russia suffer. The Berliner Tageblatt and the Stuttgart Tageblatt, both closely associated with the General Staff, state that it is Germany's bounden duty to protect the unfortunate inhabitants of FinJand, Lithuania, Eisthonia, and Northern Livonia against Bolshevik excesses; also that the Central Powers will not renew the armistice with Russia. ESTHONIA AND LIVONIA. An Amsterdam wireless states that it is reported that the Kaiser will issue on Sundav a declaration granting autonomy to Lithuania, with the status 01 a German protectorate. The Lokal Anzeiger says the Maximalists are bullying Germans in Esthonia and Livonia, and calls upon the German Government to take speedy action to save Germanism. The Bolsheviks at Reval arrested 3000 Germans, and locked the men in the Castle Kinema Theatre. Arrests are also reported at other places. The whole of the German nobility in Esthonia and Livonia have been declared suspect and liable to arrest and trial by court-martial. The Neus Tageblatt's Berlin correspondent asserts that Germany will (? not) terminate the occupation of Courland, Livonia, Esthonia, and Finland \ that the Kaiser may proclaim the annexation of these rich territories. He also states that the General Staff is planning the occupation of Re'vaJ and, Petrograd,

UNFORTUNATE POLAND.

The Berliner Tageblatt's Vienna correspondent states that the .cclisn group has withdrawn its support from the Austrian Government, owing to Polish interests being sacrificed to Ukraina. A majority, consisting of Poles, Czechs, and Jugoslav representatives, is opposed to tho Government. ( The Polish question is assuming a more acute form, owing not only to the cession of Polish territories to Ukraina but to Pan-German demands fo- direct access by Germany to Russia through Poland and solid guarantees for the maintenance of the new Ukrainian State. The Polish members of the Austrian Upper House have resigned as a protest against the Concessions to Ukraina. Cracow is in mourning. The dwellings are draped with black, and theatres and kinema shows are closed. It is officially annonuced at Warsaw that the Polish Cabinet has also resigned as a protest. Representatives of all the Polish parties met at Cracow and protested against the cession of Polish territory to Ukraina, An enormous and tumultuous crowd assembled outside the conference building, and subsequently broke the windows of Austrophil national committees. Polish nows indicates that Germany is disregarding her phrases about self-deter-mination, and is splitting Poland into many fragments, adding some parts to the Ukraina and others to Lithuania, with the object of blocking the establishment of a united Poland. . The Times Amsterdam, correspondent says that the conviction generally prevails in Polish circles that the independence of the country is seriouslv endangered, and that Poland will again become an occupied State. Warsaw advices state that war between Russia and Poland is now a fact. Great workmen's and peasants' anti-Ger-man demonstrations are flaming throughout Poland. German military nave occupied the Warsaw streets, and the restaurants and theatres are closed. Many Poles in England are signing a protest that the peace between Germany and Ukrainia violates the principle of " self-determination." Even the Frankfurter Zeitung confesses that the Ukrainia is being forced into an isolated peace, obtained by chicanerv, and a peace in which other''nations decline to participate, and which will load Germany, with hatred. FIGHTING IN FINLAND. The White Guards' headquarters in Finland report that they are in possession of three-fourths of Finland, though the Red Guards are very strong ana have a large army near Vilpula. The Roisneviks at Helsingfors have decreed that, workers must be paid 'their wages during the strike. Owing to internal dissensions the revolutionary movement in Finland is verging upon collapse. After a massacre at Kirvor the Red Guards telegraphed to Helsingfors for surgeons. Five responded, and all were murdered on arrival by the Red Guards. Two thousand Russian soldiers have established a reign of terror on the Aaland Islands, in the Gulf of Bothnia, and are massacring the civilian population, who are powerless owing to lack of weapons. The Bolsheviks have drawn up regular bills of proscription against' enemies, and are employing bloodhounds to track escapees. The Russians in the Aaland Islands have surrendered, to the Swedish commander, who is transporting them to Stockholm. A new Swedish expedition has been sent to Finland. It is understood that the expedition possesses drastic powers. The White Guards totally defeated the Red Guards near Tammersfors, taking prisoner 700 men. SIBERIA'S POSITION. The Bolsheviks have arrested members of the Siberian Provisional Government, and also deputies of the Tomsk Duma, in order to prevent the establishment of an autonomous Siberia. i Twelve hundred sailors from Petrograd have arrived at Vladivostock to prevent the Amur Cossacks from securing control of Vladivostock. • Advices from Siberia state that the Siberian Government demands that the Soviet forces shall evacuate the Government districts. A STRANGE POSITION. A special message says the recent Russian developments are full of possibilities, surprise, and serious embarrassment to the Central Powers. The dissolution of . the old Russian peril deprives the artificial Austro-German unity of its former compelling force. Austi'ia, desperately anxious for peace and no longer sharing the common antagonism, may break away from German control and cease to set herself against the natural development of the Slav races. The Austrian internal position is already perilous, owing to the determined and probable permanent Slav union against the Government. Beneath the masterful German announcements and threats against the Bolsheviks are signs of nervousness and hesitation. Reports from Vienna state that the Austrians are puzzled by the possible remiflcations of the Bolsheviks' policy. It is supposed that Trotsky expects that the Central Powers do not intend to attack Russia. The latter can then afford to await tlie results of the Western offensive. Germany's remedy for the Polish situation is awaited with the keenest interest. The newspapers are divided, some being bellicose and others fearful of the ultimate outcome. In the House of Commons, Mr Bonar Law stated that the position in Russia was obscure. He declined to say whether Russia was now an ally, a neutral, or an enemy. He announced that the manifesto issued after the represented ths views of all the Allies.

THE CIVIL WAR CONTINUES,

Delayed Petrograd telegrams discloefli 1 that terrible fighting is in progress, an 4 there are many fluctuating battles in Fiat, and and Ukrainia. Russian guardshipi 1 seized 3000 Finns who were returning f home from Germany, and handed them over to the Red Guards. Crimes of &U sorts are increasing in Petrograd and otheP cities, and lawlessness is extending ta - many country districts. The latest robjf beries include that of the Russian Paw riarch's gold plate, jewelled missals, aaA mitres at Moscow, valued at £3,000,000,J: The Dutch Ambassador at PetrograA' -:• was seized and robbed. Armed bands an)9 robbing the post offices. Peasants at Daijf koff looted landowners' houses and tJieiSc j; fought over the division of the lands. "]}!§ The first telegram 'from Petrograd sincA' / the 6th inst. snows that street shoot-in*-is the order of the day, especially aitol nightfall, when the absence of lighfJ:; favours the hooligans. There Is much pfl| j laging, and many have been killed ani| wounded. >%.X It is reported that General AlexieffT m army has won a battle in the vioinity of | Woroneshi, which is now surrounded b* j Cossacks and is expected to fall shortly* I The battle resulted in 3000 being killed 6§5 wounded on both sides. \]■■( Street fighting is reported at Kieflfe' : i where the White Guards dislodged the fielsfi Guards from the arsenal, killing over 160* 1 workmen. The Kieff Revolutionary ComM v ';? mittee were shot en masse. The Boviem'-.v deputies' forces, comprising Ukrainian ami'. Bolshevik regiments, are now attacking I the White Guards, who are encamped Ify/: the Petshovk monastery. - • ' EXCHANGING PRISONERS. % Russia and Austria-Hungary havjf' agreed to. the mutual repatriation of ajjr under 16 and those unfit for military seWi vice between 16 'and 45; also doctors andfc § priests). Similar agreements have beenh signed on behalf of Austria-Hungary, Bulitl:' garia, and Turkey. The exchange ha* 1 .;, commenced, and ICOO Germans Russia have passed through Warsaw goina I towards Berlin. , -?M': r Commander Locker-Lampson, M.P., {fir? an interview, stated that the value to Genu" "many of the prisoners released in Russii|»j had been greatly exaggerated. really were likely to prove danaerouir I owing to their having imbibed revolutions I ary views. The majority of • the CzechM* I Slovacs, and others were against the C§af tral Powers, and especially againsb Auif I tria. During the latest fighting, in whiGtt the British armoured car unit -was enf I gaged, Austrians surrendered and some even volunteered to fight again*jsi the Austrians. 1 ECONOMIC QUESTIONS. *«; Three official representatives of trian agricultural societies have gone tdU Kieff to discuss economic questions. . Jj;j Commercial syndicates atfe being in 'Germany under Government controtjfi for exploiting Russia after peace is dwfc clared, including new joint stock com¥J: panies "for importing iron, oil, flax, .andtv wheat from Ukraina. .' Vj; Besides sending a commercial mission tap Kieff, Germany offers the services of projfl;; fessors to reorganise higher education vM): Ukrainia, and also to lend military VMi structors to supervise the reorganisatio«| of th.e army. Austria-, Germany, an*i Turkey are appointing distinguished am*;' bassadors to Kieff, and a German dailjf > paper will start at Kieff on March 1. :}\ GENERAL. ; | In the House of Commons Sir Georgil Cave, Home Secretary, announced thaiju the Home Office was seriously considerindli. documents which M. Litvirioff was di|M tributing through the British trade nnionfe secretaries under the stamp of the Russiaa] Embassy. These documents were a (rarrwfc mons to the proletariat to a revolutionai}||v fight against the British Government and|; bourgeoisie. f| The British Government does not fedp. bound to recognise the Ukrainian peace, j