RUSSIAN AFFAIRS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12776, 21 October 1919, Page 3

RUSSIAN AFFAIRS.

GERMAN OUTRAGE IN

LITHUANIA.

BERLIN, October 19. “Yoiwaerts” gives details of what it terns “Gentian mercenaries’., bestialities’ ’in Lithuania, During an attack upon the college at Sbavlen, cavalry rushed into the college hall The soldiers bayoneted and ‘ hiiidgjeoned teachers, boys and girls. Many were badly wounded. The cavalry later attacked pedestrians in the streets. The Jew sh high school was similarly attacked. and girls trodden underfoot. Their would-be rescuers were also attacked, the cavalry riding them down. Many were injured. “ Vorwaertsdemands punishment of the officers concerned, including the local commandant. Von Diebitsch.

SEMI-OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION

M ASH INGTON, October 20.

The State Department learns that the General Staff nf the Finnish Amy has officially reported to M. Yibonr. the official representative of the NorthMest Government in Russia, that the anii-Boi&hevik forces have occupied Petrograd and Kronstadt.

YUDENITCH ENTERS PETROGRAD.

LONDON., October 20.

Reval messages confirm the statement. that Yndenitch has reached Petrograd, where he captured the Jriitiloff Station, within five miles of the centre of the city. His advanced guards have occupied the suburbs. A Bolshevik wireless message says that if the worst comes to the worst the city will he reduced to ruins.

ALLIED AID AT RIGA,

LONDON, October 20. A telegram from Riga, dated October 18, emphasises the value of the assistance given by four British and four French destroyers in driving back the Gcrmano-Bussiana from Riga. The vessels, after two hours’ bombardment of the left ba.uk of tb© Dvina, moved up the river. The Letts, covered by their fire, crossed the river and took the German fort, while two British cruisers shelled the enemy communications ten miles distant. The Letts are now rc-estabHshing their bridgehead near positions held before the siege.