Russia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 73, 23 February 1918, Page 5

Russia

GERMANY’S ULTIMATUM.

BOLSHEVIKS MUST UNCONDITIONALLY SURRENDER.

Press Association—Copyright, Austro.

lian and N.Z. Cable Association

Amsterdam, February 22

It is reported from Berlin that Dr von Kublmann has begun a consultation with the Central Powers regarding the final’ terms of Russian peace, with a view to the Bolsheviks’ unconditional surrender. Meanwhile, the German advance is continued in order to enforce an early definite settlement.

The Bolshevik Government accepted the German ultimatum by five votes to four. Lenin whs' the principal advocate for acceptance,declaring that peace'was necessary in order to save the . revolution. Trotsky favored war, ENEMY ARMY ADVANCES PRISONERS AND MUCH BOOTY. : : London; February 21. WirfilesS Gentian official: We occupied Leal, in Esthonia, and reached Pernigal and ’ Lerisal, on the Riga Gulf. We traversed Wenden and are approaching Holmai > and between Dvinlk' and Pins are pressing eastward of Linsingen. There are reports of the occupation of important railway and road junctions; Rovno has - been cleared of the enemy. Prisoners include a’ general, 425 officers and 870 men, and the booty consists of 1353 guns, 4500 motor oars and 1000 railway carriages, many laden with food stuffs. As the Germans advance they- are issuing proclamations that further resistance is futile. The Germans are trying to cut the Libau-Romen railway, the Russian Red Guards and soldiers offering no opposition, but retiring and leaving ammunition and supplies behind. The Turkish army has appeared at Trebizond. The Daily Chronicle’s Petrograd correspondent states that the Bolshevik ■ Government, believing that German soldiers would refuse to attack revolutionary' Russia, was surprised and alarmed by the German advance, and decided to suspend demobilisation. Orders were given to the retiring troops to, destroy military stores. The front has ceased to exist, owing to desertions and demobilisation. so that any resistance will be in the nature of guerilla warfare. The Germans apparently intend to force the entrance to the Gulf, of Finland and land troops on the Finnr'i coast. A captured army order, signed by Prince Leopold, states that the obje 1 of the advance is not annexation, InH -the re-establishment of order and the prevention of the spi id of anarchism in Western’ Europe. PANIC-STRICKEN RUSSIAN? TOWN EVACUATED. THE POSITION AT PETROGRAD. ENEMY LANDING AT REVEL. Press Association—Copyright, Australian apd N.Z. Cable Association (Received 9.35 a.m.) London, February 22. The Russians in a panic evacuated Revel and Pskoff. The. Bolsheviks hastily considered a scheme for defending Petrograd. Assembled at the council table, they learned that the available guns were in an appalling condition, essential parts being missing in consequence of the. activities of German agents in the early days of the revolution. The troops, were ordered to dig trenches outside the Capital, hut super-coun-sels prevailed with the realisation that ; the city qafi easily he starved as the Germans command the railway system.

Tlio Allied Embassies were besieged by anxious enquirers, vvbo were informed that their departure was airangod for only in the event ol the Germans reaching Petrograd.

It is reported that forty-live German warships ave steaming towards K vel, where troops are being lauded.

GERMAN OCCUPATION OF SIBERIA.

Press Association—Copyrght, An sin*

liau and N.Z. Cable Association

Shanghai, February 21

Harbin telegrams state that German prisoners in Siberia are entirely free. Many are openly trading in German goods, others are coming to North Manchuria with Russian passports, which may bo purchased for a hundred roubles. Prompt Allied action is necessary to combat the German occupation of these districts.

CIVIL WAR AND ANARCHY.

Press Assoqjation—Copyright, Anstra*

lian and N.Z. Cable Association Amsterdam, February 21

Herr Seidler, speaking in the. Reichsrath, stated that Ukraine was convulsed with civil war and that the whole of Russia was in a state of anarchy. Chaos was everywhere and was constantly extending. Every man’s hand was against his fellow. All prophecies regarding transport of foodstuffs were futile. General Alexiff has elaborately planned, in conjunction with Generals Korniloff, Endel, Markoff, and Deuken, to seize the railways and cut off all communication with central and northern Russia from the south, then to make a clean sweep of the southern Bolsheviks if the blockade is effective. It is stated the Bolsheviks fear the superior discipline of General Alexieff’s army and the ability of his large ■staff of officers. The results of the. plan will ultimately depend upon General Alexioff getting sufficient artillery and munitions. When Mohiloff was evacuated, General , YanuskcvitoJij -. former- ; - Chief, of the General Staff, was taken prisoner while travelling by train to Petrograd, Ho attempted to seize a. revolver, when told that he would be interned in a fortress. The Rod Guards thereupon shot him dead. General Kaledin’s suicide is confirmed. THE BOLSHEVIKS’ CURE-ALL, ANOTHER PROCLAMATION. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable .Association. (Received 9.35 a.m.) Petrograd t February 22. The Bolsheviks have, issued a proclamation ordering the Russians to resist the German advance. GERMANS ENTER MINSK. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 9.3-5 a.m.) London, February 22. A wireless German official message states: We have entered Minsk. PRUSSIANISE DIAGNOSED. HUNS REALISE AMBITIONS. Press Association—Copyright, Australian anu N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 1.50 p.m.) Washington, February 22. The New York World’s Petrograd correspondent states: “The opinion at Bolshevik headquarters is that the Germans will add new and harsher conditions before peace terms are signed.”