REVOLUTIONARY RUSSIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3339, 13 March 1918, Page 20

REVOLUTIONARY RUSSIA.

TERMS OF THE PEACE TREATY. THE DISMEMBERMENT OF RUSSIA. TREATY TO 00 BEFORE THE SOVIETS. SUGGESTED JAPANESE INTERVENTION. GERMANY'S NEW RiOAD TO THE • FAR EAST. (By Gable). TEXT OF PEACE TREATY. Berlin has officially issued the text of the peace treaty of Germany, AustriaHungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey on the one hand and Russia on the other. Article 1 stipulates that the contracting parties shall live henceforth in peace and Friendship. Article 2 requires that the contracting parties shall refrain from all agitation and provocation against the existing Government or State, and spare the populations of the occupied regions. Article 3: The regions lying west of the line agreed upon by the contracting parties, formerly belonging to Russia, shall no longer be Russian territory. This line in the west is to be fixed by a Russo-Ger-man commission. The regions in question will have no obligation whatever towards Russia, arising from their former relations. Russia shall refrain from all interference in the internal affairs of these territories, and allow Austria and Germany to determine their future fate in agreement with their populations. Article 4 • Austria and Germany shall undertake, when general peace is concluded and Russian-demobilisation is fully carried out, to evacuate the regions east of the line in article.-'3, so far as article 6 does not stipulate otherwise. Russia will completely evacuate the Anatolian provinces as soon as possible and return these to Turkey. The districts of Erdshan, Batoum, and Kars shall likewise be evacuated by Russia without delay. Russia will not interfere in the reorganisation of constitutional and international conditions in these districts, but leave these to the populations thereof, in agreement with the neighbouring States, particularly Turkey. Article 5 : Russia must not delay in demobilising completely, including thenew.lyformed forces; and must transfer warships to Russian harbours, not leaving there until a general peace, or she must immediately disarm warships hostile to the Quadruplice, which will be treated as Russian in so far as thej*- are within Russian control ; the removal of mines in the Baltic, and in so far as Russian power extends in the Black Sea; begin immediately commercial shipping in these waters. The Mixed Commission will fix further regulations as regards merchant ships' routes, which must be kept permanent and free of floating mines. Article 6: Russia undertakes immediately to conclude peace in Ukrainia, and to recognise the peace .'treaty between TJkraina and the Quadruplice; to' evacuate Ukrainia immediately, and to cease agitation or propaganda against the Government and public institutions in Ukrainia; to evacuate without delay Esthonia and Livonia, on the eastern frontier. Esthonia will follow the line of the Narva River. The eastern frontier of Livonia runs through Lake Pripus and Lake Pskoff, to the south-west corner . of Lake Pskoff, thence over Lake Luban in the .direction of Levensof on the Dvina. Esthonia and Livonia will be occupied by a German police force until security is guaranteed and order restored. Russia guarantees to release all arrested Esthonians and Livonians. An article in the Russo-German Treaty states : Starting from the fact that Persia and Afghanistan are free and independent States, the contracting parties undertake to respect their political and economic independence and territorial .integrity. Another article states : Prisoners of war are to be mutually repatriated. The contracting parties mutually renounce indemnification of war costs —namely, State expenditure and public and private damages which have arisen through military measures, including all requisitions undertaken in an enemy country. The final clause nrovides for the ratification of the treaty within a fortnight. A German message supplementary to the Russo-German treaties guarantees Germany free commercial intercourse with Persia and Afghanistan, via Russia, indemnifications for damage to Consular property, the private property of German subjects, also the cancellation of the order annulling payment of German Joans. The agreement permits Germany to organise in Spitzbergen. A semi-official message from Berlin states that an economic and political appendix to the Russian peace treaty generally restores the Russo-German commercial treaty of 1904, and secures a' direct commercial connection with Persia and Afghanistan. It protects Germany against increases in the Russian duty until 1925, and restores all German private rights, including the earliest payment of debts to German creditors. Both parties undertake to organise Spitzbergen according to German proposals. CONGRESS OF SOVIET DEPUTIES. The Central Executive has summoned an extraordinary congress of Soviet deputies to ratify the terms of peace at Moscow on March 12. The people in Petrograd are unaware how the peace terms will affect Northern Russia. They may .possibly include political reconstruction, in addition to the territorial stipulations. The information to hand as to the Congress ratifying the peace treaty is contradictory. One message says that the ratification of the treaty ie unlikely. Differ-

ences are said to be growing stronger daily between the Leninites (who are advocating the ratification of the peace terms) ana other influential Bolshevik groups (who are demanding the refusal). Possibly there will be a split at the Moscow Congress, which is to decide on Tuesday. °M. Lenin, who has definitely taken the leadership of the Soviets, condemns the denunciation of the peace terms just signed with Germany. He is obsessed with the one idea of a coming world reyo- • lution and the triumph of the proletariat. Meanwhile he considers Russia must a-c-i cept Germany's terms. _ The United Press reports that authorita* tive advices have been received here stating that Lenin is attempting to deliver Russia- into Germany's hands, and is trying "to arouse the Russian people against the "Allies' militarism." The Petrograd correspondent of the American United Press says: The peace treaty signed, with Germany is regarded as a scrap of paper. Enthusiasm for fighting-is at-a very high level. Maxim Gorky's paper terms the treaty a criminal scrap of paper. The newspaper Pravda urges that the signing of peace was justified, because refusal meant an overwhelming defeat of the Soviets and the advent of the Miliukoff c-r Kerensky biovernments. The worst enemies of the revolution are Czernin and Hoffman. As a result of this "robber peace" the workmen and peasants will suffer terrible punishment. The United Press correspondent at Washington states that the United States officials still believe that Trotsky is trying to keep the revolution alive, with the result that the Bolshevik Government is divided. Vorwarts, commenting on the new Russian peace terms, says: !' Russia ends the war unreconciled, and her policy of patriotic revanche (revenge), once it gets a lead, will find it an easy game to play." Vorwarts bitterly comments that when the war is over Germany will stand utterly alone and without friends. Her people will find themselves faced in peace by a world of enemies. THE GERMAN ADVANCE. The Germans are reported to be continuing the advance, despite the order for the cessation of hostilities. German airmen bombed Petrograd, and it is believed they were aiming at the principal railway station. Zeppelins appeared above Gatschina, but were driven off. j.vussian official: Krylenko has ordered the Russians to cease hostilities, but main in their present positions. Ensign Krylenko has sent a message to the Austro-German army chiefs complaining that the troops are still fighting at Jamburg, Orsha, and Komelbriansk, and inquiring whether cessation of hos-. tilities has been ordered. A. German official message states that the Austro-German Supreme Command has sent the following message to Ensign Kry-; lenko (who protested against enemy military operations being continued during the armistice, pending the ratification of the peace terms): " In lending aid to! Ukrainia the Austro-Hungarian troops only engaged in fighting in those places where enemy resistance had to be broken." Eight old submarines and three /serviceable steamers have been secured by the Germans at Reval. Ensign Krylenko has resigned the com-, mand of Petrograd. EVACUATING PETROGRAD. RUSSIA'S DEPLORABLE INTERNAL CONDITION. Fears of the German attack and of star-, vation are causing a great rush from Petrograd, especially of foreigners and British residents, including the Embassy officials. The Military Mission escaped with difficulty. There is indescribable disorganisation on the railways, adding to the miseries of the refugees. It is reported that soldiers broke into the British Embassy prior to its evacuation by the officials, and burned or confis* cated the documents. The officials protected to M. Trotsky, who replied that his Government had not ordered the outrage and therefore were not responsible. The Daily Chronicle's Petrograd correspondent states that the majority of the Social Revolutionaries of the Left and a section of the Bolsheviks still favour a revolutionary war. but a serious defence ia impossible. The soldiers of the regular army, with but few exceptions, are flocking into the interior as far as possible from the invader. The bulk of the Petrograd regiments have sold their regimental property, divided the proceeds, and gone to their homes. The new Red Army is enthusiastic, but is raw, and cannot seriously resist the invaders. The capital is uncannily quiet. Thei peace terms seem to have struck a blow at the national feeling. The Cadet party, has issued a manifesto, declaring, that the calamities of anarchy are deplorable enough as they are, but cannot be compared to the horror of enslavement to a foreign yoke. The manifesto appeals to the people to rally in defence of the country in association with Russia's allies. The Bolsheviks in Ukrainia have issued a proclamation calling on the people to. resist the enemy and destroy the ammunition before evacuating the towns. The Dailv News Petrograd correspondent save that not a single newspaper or publication admits that this will be a lastin"- peace. All agree as to the immediatj need of organised forces of resistance. The conditions °of internal Russia are desperate, and rural life is at a standstill owing to the lack of agricultural implements. The railways are broken down, and there are masses of crawling, demoralised soldiers, many of whom have no intention of returning home, and have taken up a half-: conscious nomadic existence. Every station is like an opened hive of bees, and smells like' a vast latrine. The men are swarming into cattle trucks. The correspondent

believes that it will be years before demobilisation is complete. are leaving Petrograd on foot, or on roofs of carriages or on railway buffers, hoping to find food. The Japanese intervention will make the national catastrophe irreparable, and will mean a shortage of meat as well as corn. The United Press correspondent at Petrograd states that the Prussians have appointed a Defence Council, consisting of Commissaries Schutko, Bron, Chbrujovitch, and Proschain. Refugees say that the Germans shot or hanged 200 Russian citizens at Ourieff (or Dorpat), in Livonia. The Bolsheviks say that Mr Francis has moved the American Embassy to Perm (near the Ural Mountains), and has asked the Norwegian Ambassador to protect Americans in Petrograd. Six Russian students have been shot for aiding a conspiracy to overthrow the Bolshevik Government. The Daily Chronicle's Petrograd correspondent (Dr Williams) states : " There are . many indications that the disgraceful peace just imposed on her will not be the end of Russia, but the beginning of a strong Russia. It will be the end of the old war and the beginning of a new and tougher and more complex war. I insist that, despite the ruin and suffering caused by the Bolsheviks, their leaders are not intentionally working for German interests. They have been working fanatically for their own revolutionary aims, but have been worsted, and the chief violence of their wrath is now directed against German Imperialism, and in successfully stimulating against German oppression patriotic feeling of a new type." The New Bolshevik enthusiasm is certainly one of the factors in _ the revival of a national sentiment, and it is shared by many other classes. Possibly the various currents of bitter hostility to Germany will coalesce in a big national movement of resistance to the German invasion. Hence, if a revival of national sentiment is possible in Russia, the Allies ought to foster it. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate for us that at the very moment that the Russians are smarting under the bitter humiliation of defeat they are faced with the threat of a Japanese occupation of Siberia in the interests of the Allies. This threat has aroused the strongest resentment among all classes of Russians. The Council of Commissaries has decided to remove the government to Moscow. Evacuation is proceeding rapidly. The German occupation of Petrograd is considered likely on the pretext of restoring order. The Leninites, who favour ratification of the peace terms, are gaining ground. The Japanese newspaper Jiji Shimpo says that the American Ambassador to Russia, Mr Francis, is moving the Embassy frdm Petrograd to Vladivostock. The British Embassy Staff from Petrograd has arrived at Helsingfors. M. Trotsky has resigned the Commissionship of Foreign Affairs. The Russians have recaptured Gamburg. THE KAISER'S MESSAGES. SAMPLES OF KULTUR, Official : The Kaiser, in a message to Baron von Hertling, says: The German sword has borne our great army commanders, who have achieved peace with Russia. My feeling is thanks to God, Who has been with us, and is associated in the rejoicing for the army's deeds. The Kaiser, in a telegram to the President of the Prussian Lower House, said the victory in the east was one of the greatest successes' in history. It secures thß Baltic provinces, to the German nationality for all time, so far as human wisdom could foresee. Refugees say that the Germas are endeavouring to form an army corps of Russians to reinforce athe Germans on the ■Vrest front, and threatening them with death if they refuse to join. German official: Von Dembusche has communicated with the' Smolny Institute in Petrograd stating that 450 inhabitants of Dorpat and Reval and 130 from other Livonian towns have been deported in cattle trucks. This is in contravention of the Peace Treaty. He therefore protests against further deportation, and demands the return of those already deported. The. Austrian Defence Minister stated in Parliament that it was necessary to prevent the propagation of revolutionary principles by released "soldiers from Russia, many of whom had joined the revolution, and were coming home to conduct a propaganda. REACTION IN FAVOUR OF MONARCHY. The Neueste Nachrichten in an inspired article states that there is a strong reaction in Russia in favour of a restoration of the monarchy, and that it is probable the Czar will be restored under German protection. Enlightenment regarding the internal political situation in Russia is afforded by Professor Alecoff (of Moscow University;, who was interviewed on his arrival at Christiania. He stated that a representative conference at Moscow decided to oi'ganise a National Guard, with the object of overthrowing the Bolshevik regime. General Alexieff is organising the movement, which aims at the formation of a Coalition Government, the introduction of a fepublio, tind the repudiation oi the Russo-German peace. The Bolsheviks' position has become exceedingly weak since the conclusion of the peace with the Central Powers. The foregoing fact 3 have hitherto been suppressed in Petrograd. The United Press Petrograd correspondent states that the Grand Duke Michael, the ..deposed Czar's brother, and other offU cers have been arrested for alleged complicity in a plot to restore the monarchy. THE EX-OZAR'S LOYALTY. Official documents confirm Sir George Buchanan's (late British Ambassador at Petrograd) assertion that the ex-Czar

would not have betrayed the Allies. An autograph letter to M. Poincare, French President, dated April, 1916, has been published. It stated: I am firmly decided not to lay down arms except by common agreement after definite victory. Russia will recoil from no sacrifices to achieve the Allies' triumph. ' POSITION IN FINLAND. The Aftonbladet states that 5000 Russian soldiers have arrived at Helsingfors, where the action of the German's has caused a panic. The Red Guards have decided to defend the town to the last. A German squadron has assembled at the entrance to the Gulf of Finland, and a cruiser and three destroyers are reported to be off Autrea, in Southern Finland. The activities indicate that a German landing is imminent. An act of liquidation between Russia and Finland was signed on Friday, by which Russia cedes the territory bordering on the Arctic Ocean to Finland, and gives up the Valkeassari-Petrograd railway. Russia retains- Imo fortress. Germany's action is agitating Helsingfors, and the President of the revolutionary Government has declared that the whole of the Finnish population will resist aggression. General Mannerheim (Stockholm) has decided to court-martial the commander of the Finnish White Guards for, capitulat and evacuating the Aaland Islands, contrary t© orders. A Russian message states that Lenin and Trotsky have ordered the Bolshevik plenipotentiaries in Sweden to have no relations with the Germans. The Social Imperialists declare that partisans of the Scheidemann-David strike-breakers are traitors to the working classes. The treaty between Germany and Finland has been signed, according to which Germany promises to s'ecure all the Powers' recognition of Finnish independence. «

Finland, on her part, undertakes not to cede any territory to a foreign Power, and not to allow foreigners to use her territory except by agreement with Germany. Finland also abandons claims to war expenses, removes the fortifications on the Aaland Islands, and agrees to the permanent non-fortification of the islands. Berlin announces that German, naval forces anchored at Eckerhe, in the Aaland Islands, on the sth inst. It is officially explained that the force is destined to establish a halting place in connection with the despatch of aissistance to Finland. Diplomatic circles in Sweden state that the Finnish Conservatives, including many White Guards, asked the Kaiser to appoint Prince Oscar King of Finland, believing that the creation of a kingdom with a strong military spirit was the only means of checking revolutionary - tendencies. Sweden has refused to allow the Soviet's delegates to be landed for the purpose of arranging an international congress. GERMANY LANDING TROOPS. Two thousand Germans landed on the Aaland Islands, and hoisted German flag at Eckero, where they have built barracks. German destroyers sank two Russian transports south of the Aalands on Thursday. A force of 2000 Germans left the Aaland Islands and marched across the ice to Finland. Great quantities of munitions and artillery were also transported. The Aftonbladet learns that fighting has occurred on the Aaland Islands, in which the Germans beat the Red Guards. The German icebreaker Hindenburg struck a mine at South Aaland and sank. Most of the crew were saved. The Morning- Post's Stockholm correspondent states that the German warships Westfalen and Rheinland, accompanied by five troopships", have anchored beside the Swedish squadron at Mariehamt. . The Germans brought 20,000 troops. The Red Guards are committing horrible outrages, and have murdered 600 of the bourgeoisie at Helsingfors and elsewhere. The drunken Red Guards cut out the tongues of their prisoners and shot a number of children in the presence of their mothers, and wives in the presence of their husbands. X A Russian wireless message states that M. Tcherin has protested to the German Government against the introduction of German troops into Finland and the Aaland Islands. FIGHTING IN SIBERIA: Sharp righting occurred at Diouria, on the trans-Siberian railway, between the Cossack leader Samenoff and the Bolsheviks. The latter were in large numbers and well armed, and they forced Samenoff to withdraw. Insurance companies at Vladivostock are not assuming further responsibility, owing to Bolshevik threats to commandeer the stores. QUESTION OF JAPANESE INTERVENTION. The Japanese press and public are profoundly stirred over the Siberian debacle. There have been frequent Cabinet meetings.. Though radical differences of opinion exist, the leading papers are clamouring for immediate action. Representatives of the Chambers of Commerce deprecate exaggeration of the Siberian disorders, and. urge delay. A Bill has been introduced into the Japanese Diet authorising the War Minister to mobilise all industry contributing to the prosecution of the war. The Suyukai and Kensika parties, which together compose a large majority of the Japanese Diet, passed a resolution against the movement of Japanese troops in the Far East until the situation is more menacing. Public opinion deprecates antagonising Russia, although it desires to check German designs.

The New York Times Washington correspondent learns from an Entente diplomatic source that the Versailles War Council is dealing with the question of Japanese intervention. A decision concerning Japanese intervention in Siberia is expected in the coming week. The United States will be notified should Jajaan decide to intervene. The indications are that Japan is now more anxious than she was a week ago to enter Siberia. _^ It is understood that Japan is forming a division of Russians to co-operate with the Japanese troops in Siberia. The United Press Agency states that "it is rumoured that the Japanese Government has negotiated with the anti-Bolshevik leaders for some form of political aid in the event of Japan's intervention in Siberia. It is reported that the Russians are massing on the western Chinese frontier, evidently intending to invade Sin Kiang (which lies east of Turkestan and north of Tibet}. Picked Chinese troops are guarding the frontiers against the menace of Siberian disorders. The Daily Mail's correspondent at Tientsin reports that numerous disturbing reports are reaching Peking regarding Gorman activities and intrigues in the border provinces and the presence of hostile troops in Northern Manchuria. The Military Governor of Kirin has telegraphed • urgently asking for reinforcements to oppose the troops marching on Fakuli and Holung-kiang. There are' ,20,000 Red Guards and numerous Bolsheviks at Vladivostock. They are using the Chinese Eastern railway in Manchuria. The Daily Mail states that the Ambassadors of Britain; France, and Italy are requesting Japan to protect the Allied interests in Siberia. Viscount Ishii, a Japanese missioner, has persuaded the United States that Japan desires only to aid the complete suppression of the Prussian military caste. The United Press states authoritatively that President Wilson and his Cabinet are considering whether to protest against Japanese intervention in Siberia. The question is regarded as one of a most delicate nature. The United Press correspondent states that if Japan decides to send an expedition to Russia she will do so v. lthout the United States' approval. The Japanese Embassy at Washington indicates that plans for Japanese intervention in Siberia have been postponed, owing to America's attitude. The Chinese Embassy at Washington has indicated that China supports America's policy concerning Japan's intervention. FRENCH OPINION. M. Pichon made a statement to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French Chamber on the diplomatic "situation and the Russo-Japanese negotiations. Members of- the committee afterwards refused to make any precise statement, but they let it be understood that the Allies have agreed to leave to Japan the task of intervening in Manchuria and Siberia. In Le Matin, M. Pichon, in a speech. before the Foreign Affairs Committee, said Bolshevik propaganda' was growing in Siberia. The Bolsheviks were planning to plunder the munitions, and it becomes the Allies' duty to prevent these from falli 13; into enemy hands, through the Bolsheviks. Japan could legitimately act alone, but prefers to act in concert with the Allies. President Wilson agrees that such act ; rr; on Japan's part would not conflict with his announced principle. There was. no question of taking advantage of Russia's plight in the Allies' interests, but German penetration must be arrested. Millions of Russians were awaiting deliverance by Japan's intervention. It . is understood, M. Pichon added, that all ihe Allies agree to Japan's intervention, and only the details remain unsettled. GERMAN VIEWS. German political circles are agitated over the projected Japanese action. The newspapers publish inspired comments, stating that Germany will not fight in Siberia; but if the Japanese menace Petrograd, or attempt to rob Germany of her peace fruits,. she. will reply, quickly! A majority of the papers regard the Japanese movement as bluff, and declare that in any case it will take months for Japan to render effective action. Germany will only help Russia against' Japan if asked to do so, and then on her own terms. The German newspapers, commenting on Japan, profess to believe that she is playing her own game against the Entente. Some even say that her real intention is to hoodwink the Allies, and enter into friendly contact with the Central Powers across Russia. The Weser Zeitung ridicules the idea that there is any danger duo to German and Austrian prisoners in Siberia. Japan's object is to increase her colonial empire on the Asiatic Continent, and the present opportunity is highly favourable, as the Germans are nearly 4000 miles away. Japan would like to act alone, but there would be advantages in co-operating with America and England. The Westfalische Zeitung says that Japan's policy is purely selfish. She seeks to realise her dream of Japanising China and Siberia. RUSSIAN OPINIONS. The United Press Petz-ograd correspondent states that all the Petrograd newspapers regard Count von Hertling's, Mr Balfour's, and Baron Sonnino's recent speeches as indicating a compromise at Russia's expense. Japan's proposed intervention i 3 regarded as a blow against the Russian revolution. The Daily Chronicle's Petrograd correspondent says that the mere hint of occupation without any indication of the aims Or forms of oocupation staggers our staunchest eupporters, and perhaps

awakens greater indignation than the cession of Kars and Batoum to Turkey. Possibly it will be ultimately necessary as a military measure to safeguard Siberian supplies, but the danger is not immediate. The threat of occupation lends colour to the repeated suggestion of collusion among belligerents and the possibility of peace at Russia's expense. If Russia has any fight in her she will need the Allies' direct military help, but will let this come only as a result of invitation and consent of the Russian people. The newspaper Retch expresses serious misgivings regarding the carrying on of the Anglo-American negotiations without Russia's participation. Concerning the Japanese occupation, the French Government proposed that the Allies should give a definite guarantee regarding the integrity of Russia's Asiatio possessions; but, 'however valuable such guarantees were, the fact remained that all agreements made regarding Russia without Russia's consultation were incompatible with sovereign rights. The newspaper adds that in the absence of a stable form of government Russia was confronted with a new menace. The result of the situation wag depriving her of a voice in the decision of international questions. -A NEW GERMAN ROUTE. Lord Robert Cecil (Minister of Blockade) stated in an interview that he would be glad if Japan would act in her own and the Allies' interests so as to prevent the Germanisation of Russia, in which country Germany is pursuing her world schemes, as is evidenced by her Baltic and Black Sea operations. Her expected occupation of Odessa, together with her insistence on the restoration to Turkey of Batum, Ardaban, and Kars, is designed to substitute a new eastern route for the Bagdad railway. - The New York Times gives prominence to a despatch from German sources stating that the Germans claim to have acquired a direct free route via Russia to Persia and Afghanistan. The paper points out that if this despatch is true it has an important bearing on the situation in Western Asia, and possibly in India, as a passage through Persia •would probably meet with only nominal opposition. THE CHINESE FRONTIER. A semi-official message from China states that Semenov has been patrolling the Siberian railway as far as Karimskaya Junction, and commands a staunch, disciplined force. He is awaiting guns and supplies. His recent retirement was temporary, and was due to lack of artillery. The Bolsheviks, under German officers, have some artillery, but are undisciplined and discontented. They have reached Daouriya, 50 miles from Manchuria. Many Cossack landowners who have returned from Russia, and have seen anarchy there, are anxious to co-operate with Semenov to prevent the Bolsheviks dominating at all costs. There is little doubt that Senemov, when better equipped, will collect forces sufficient to control the situation until more serious developments are threatened. The stocks at Vladivostock do, not seem to be in immediate danger. They cannot be reached through Manchuria, as the Amur railway is practically suspended owing to the shortage of coal and rolling stock. The Germans are unable to seriously assume the aggressive in East Siberia while the western railways are disorganised. The Russians at Peking, while admitting that the Japanese threat is providing a useful deterrent, state that" fear of intervention might throw Russia into Germany's arms. The Japanese press now generally suggests that a military expedition is at present unnecessary. Government action is thus hampered.