PLIGHT OF THE CZECHOSLOVAKS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11617, 16 August 1918, Page 5

PLIGHT OF THE CZECHOSLOVAKS.

DANGEROUS AMO PATHETIC

SITUATION.

DISASTER. BBGS THEIR STEPS

THE ALLIES iOST HURRY.

Tlndivostock, August 15,

The Czecho Slovaks in Siberia are in a dangerous position. They are liable to be cut oft'. Their force is distributed over o’OOO miles -of roilsvay, from Vols to Baikal. They are unarmed;ant 1 deficient in equipment, clothing, artillery and ammunition. The vfhole region is cut off from the Far Bast. The Czechs here are pathetically anxious fur help from compatriots, f-and contemplate fightng their way from the Manchurian frontier to Baikal. They are“poorly equipped and likely to meet with disaster unless the presence of the Allied troops disheartens the Bolshevist and prisoner forces. The Czechs desire to relieve their compatriots before the Siberian winter. This is impossible without Allied co-operation on a larger scale than hss been arranged. Bridges ahead have been broken and rolling stock removed. Tne enemy is busily enforcing enlistment of the local population. Prisoners are liberally mixed with si! units. Geman officers are commanding.

FROM BAD TO WORSE,

RUSSIAN CHAOTIC CONDITIONS. Received August 10, 9.00 a..m Stockholm, August 15. Advices from Helsingfors Estate that the Russian situation i? steadily becoming worse. The Bolshevik reign is near its end. The peasant rising is increasing, and armed hands are being organised to fight the Bolsheviks. The movement is spreading to the towns. Lenin and Trotsky’s'reported flight is apparently true. Other reports st-ite that the German march to Potrograd has begun.