RUSSIA

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16093, 30 March 1918, Page 7

RUSSIA

FIGHTING IN THE UKRAINE SOME SOVIET SUCCESSES. PETROGRAD, March 27. .Moscow reports that tbo .Soviet troops repulsed tlio German and Ukrainian forces in several .sectors. A big battle is proceeding at, -Mirgoiod. The Black Sea squadron assisted in the recapture of Odessa. The Germans are concentrated at BachmaUTi. The Ukraine Government has ordered the French and British missionaries to leave the country.

The Soviets have declared the Crimean Peninsula a republic. The Russian Black Sea fleet bombarded Sukhuinkale, a port in the Caucasus, which adopted a separatist regime. This news, in conjunction with the capture of Odessa, seems to imply a revival of the military spirit against both tin; Central Powers and the separatists.

Despite the desperate lighting around Sevastopol between the Soviet troops and Austro-German detachments, tho latest reports show that the AuslroGermans are fifty versts from Ekaterinoslav.

, GOOD ORDER IN PETROGRAD. LONDON. -March 28. Tho -Morning Post’s j correspondent states that Petrograd is orderly and quieter than it has been lor llio past year. Marauders are being shot at sight and a beginning is being made with public works, the food supply is improving. The Gormans have dropped their masked frightfulness t in the occupied districts, and have cunningly adopted the role of friendly advisors. Recently people have been allowed to continue their work and are given protection. while nondescript ont-of-work-ers and criminals are shot at sight. The Germans will not conquer, but will organise Russia.

WESTERN OFFENSIVE RUSSIAN

CHANCE. LONDON. March 28. The Press Bure.’m states that Britain, although under no obligation to do so, has provided interest on the Russian state debt until March 31. but now discontinues payment. The English and French announce that the former Russian Government's obligations cannot bo repudiated by the, authorities now in power without shaking the foundations of international law. The obligations continue binding upon Russia, The United Press Petrograd correspondent states that the Bolshevik leaders declare the German offensive.on the West front gives Russia a chance to reorganise. ami declare war on Germany when the offensive fails. Trotsky has proclaimed universal military training.

SOVIETS LOSING INFLUENCE. NEW PARTY COMING FORWARD. (Received March 30, 8.7)0 a.m.) PETUOGHAD, March 29. 'The Soviets are. losing touch with tho electors and becoming mere Bureaucrats hostile, to tho workmen’s demands. Tho Minority Socialists have accordingly established a workmen’s Tonference and arc seeking to replace the Soviets. ALLIED EMBASSIES. RETURNING FROM FINLAND. (Received March .'3O, 9.15 a.ra.) PETROGRAD, March 29. The Allied Embassies have returned to' Russia from Finland. They have issued a statement affirming the necessity of jlie Allies defending their interests which are seriously compromised by the separate peace. They announce that they are taking up their re.sidenoe at Vologda, because there is no central authority in .Petrograd, and for other reasons.

BREACH OF PEACE TREATY. IN DEFINING NEW FRONTIERS. ■ 1 (Received March 130. 10.10 a.m.) MOSCOW, March 28. The Council of Commissaries asked Germany to state definitely how wide she intends to define the Ukraine frontiers as they have already gone beyond the peace treaty. The Germans'are now aiming at the capture of Vitebsk. THE RECAPTURE OF ODESSA. GERMAN FOREIGN OFFICE IN THE DARK. (Received March 30, 9.5 a.m.) AMSTERDAM. March 29. The German Foreign Office professes to have no knowledge of the Soviets’ recapture of Odessa. German newspapers report that the Black Sea between Odessa and Constanza ba.s been cleared of mines. Three German steamers arrived at Odessa from Turkey on Tuesday.