RUSSIAN AFFAIRS

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14255, 5 January 1920, Page 5

RUSSIAN AFFAIRS

JAPANESE ACTION IN SIBERIA. | AN ANTI-BOLSHEVIK BARRIER. KOLCHAK'S AND DENIKEN'S PLIGHT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received January 5, 12.25 a.m. LONDON, Jan. 3. Japan has decided to take active measures in Siberia, as the result of Admiral Kolchak's collapse. It is intended apparently to establish an antiBolshevik barrier in Central Siberia, with a view to preventing the Bolsheviks crossing the Angara River. Martial law has been declared at Irkutsk, which is Admiral Kolchak's headquarters. Kolchak's plight is little worse than General Deniken's. The latter is gradually being pushed nearer the sea. Serious news received is that the railwayiacross General Deniken's front has been cut. The reds claim to have advanced within 30 miles of Taganrog. They also threaten Rostol'f and Mancipol. j Britain has despatched a large consignment of clothing for the relief of thousands of destitute British residents in Russia. ' A message says that reports from Taganrog state that owing to General Deniken's defeat he and his Goveroment have been overthrown and succeeded by a group called the Regenerators of Russia. JAPANESE PREPARATIONS. FOR EXTENSIVE REINFORCEMENTS. A FREE HAND URGED. (United Service.) Received January 5, 9.15 a.m. LONDON, Jan. 2. Semi-official advices from Tokio explain that the considerable movement of Japanese troops to the seaboard are reinforcements intended to bring the tnree divisions now in Siberia up to.war strength. The Japanese Peace Mission denies the American statement that there are 83,000 Japanese troops already in Siberia, asserting that the troops sprinkled between Lake Baikal and VladJvistock do not exceed 35,000. Japan does not disguise her intention of stemming the' Bolshevik advance towards Lake Baikal, whatever the Americans say. It is believed that America will accept the Allies' pressure and consent .to this. Military exp'erts ..consider the task easy. 'The occupation woxild give Japan the command of the valuable Amur region and the domination of the whole of Northern Mongolian Manchuria. Leading British newspapers favour giving Japan a free hand in Siberia. The Times says that Japan is naturally determined to arrest Bolshevism in the regions adjacent -to her spheres of interest, and the Allies' policy is to assist all border States to fight the Bolsheviks. The Daily Mail in an editorial, declares that Japan's intervention is necessary for saving civilisation and protecting China from the incalculable perils of Bolshevik interference. THE ESTHONIAN ARMISTICE. VICTORY FOR BOLSHEVIKS. EFFECT OF JAPAN'S INTERVENTION. (United Service.) Received January 5, 9 a.m. LONDON, January 2. The Russo-Esthonian armistice fixes the frontiers with a neutral zone on the east bank of the Narova, and the neutralisation of the Gulf of Finland. Russia renounces for ever protensions against Esthonia. The Daily Mail describes the agreement as a great victory for the Bolsheviks, and adds that the Allies are looking to Japan to stop the Bolshevik advance. When her troops occupy the great area of Eastern Siberia she will have gained a new place in the world rivalling the status of the great Western Powers. GREAT BOLSH2VSK GAINS. DENIKIN'S POSITION WORSE. (United Service.) Received January.s, 9 a.m, LONDON,. January 2. Further great Bolshevik gains arc reported, making Denikinjs. position worse, the capture' of the Don Basin depriving him of the only railway running across his front.