The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 5

THE MANCHESTER GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1918. GERMANS MARCHING ON PETROGRAD. BOLSHEVIK PEACE POLICY. BRITISH AIR SUCCESSES. GERMAN CHANCELLOR'S SPEECH: FULL TEXT.

The text of the speech of the German BOLSHEVIK GOVERNMENT TO RESIST TO THE END. LENIN'S ARGUMENTS FOR SUBMISSION. (From our Correspondent.) Petrograd, Monuat. The following are extracts from an article which appeared in yesterday's "Pravda" over the signature of Lenin. The article is important as setting forth the reasons Dv.

the, head of the Government why the Russian Revolution must sign a separate peace. The argument is divided into a number oi sections. Trie Russian Revolution, reaching a culminating noinf. in -u iT-ifif REMARKABLE FIGURES. The Air Ministry issues the following: -Western Front.

From February 1 to February 22 inclusive 75 enemy aircraft were brought down by the Royal Flying Corps. During the same period 39 enemy aircraft were driven down out of control a total of 114. During the same period six enemy aircraft were brought down by anti-aircraft defences and infantry. Against these 120 machines of the enemy 28 of our own are missing. The weight of bombs dropped during the month up to February 22 has been 65 tons.

Italian Front. Since the arrival of the British airmen on the Italian front up to the present time 58 enemy machines, principally thinks of applying that principle to Ireland, Egypt, or India, GERMAN AIMS IN THE EAST. Our war aims from the beginning have been the defence of the fatherland, the maintenance of our territorial integrity, and the freedom of our economic development in every direction. Our prosecution of the war also, where it had to be earned on in an aggressive manner, is in aim defensive. I expressly state this at thp present time with" especial emphasis, so that no misunderstanding may arise with regard to our operations in the east.

After the breaking off of the peace negotiations by the Russian delegation on Febru- CAPITAL TO BE ABANDONED IF NECESSARY. PS? frh defence of the centre of the iJ 1 8X6 lonS queues of people Chancellor in the Reichstag on Monday (of which salient passages appeared in the greater part of our issue yesterday) is now available as sent out by the German wireless and re ceived by the Admiralty (per Wireless Press). A tt atwruing xo mis rendering, count xiermug said The Reichstag has a just claim to enlightenment regarding the foreign political situation and the attitude adopted by the Imperial Ad ministration towards this situation. I shall comply with the duty thus arising, although, on the other hand, I have a certain doubt concerning the use and success of the colloquies indulged in before the public by Ministers and statesmen of belligerent States. A Liberal member of the English House of Commons and a former Minister, Mr.

Walter Runoiman, has lately expressed the opinion that one could come much nearer to peace if, instead of that, qualified and responsible representatives of the belligerent Powers would come together in a closer circle mutually to express their views. I can do nothing but agree to that That would be the way to do away with the many intentional and unintentional misunderstandings, and to force our enemies to take our words in the manner in which they were meant to be taken, and to speak out also on their part. At any Tate, I cannot say that the words which I have spoken here on two occasions have found in the enemy countries any objective and unprejudiced appreciation. An explanation in a close circle might, moreover, lead to an understanding regarding the many separate questions which come into consideration in case of a settlement of the existing controversies, and the despatch of which nothing but a settlement can really bring about Belgium. In this connection I am thinktne quite especially of our attitude towards Belgium.

On repeated occasions it has been said here that we are not thinking of keeping Belgium and of making the State of Belgium part of the German Empire. But, however, as has also been explained in the Papal Note of August 1 of last year, we must be shielded from the danger that the country with which we wish to live in peac9 and friendship after the war may become the object or the starting-point of enemy machinations. The means to reach this aim, and therewith to serve a general world peace, should be discussed within such a close circle. If, therefore, a nronosal in this direction were to come from the other side, perhaps from the Government at Havre, we would not adont an attitude of refusal, even though the discussions, as is odvious, could not be binding. Just now.

however, it does not a.rmpar as if the suggestion of the English member of Parlia ment wnicn nas been reierred to nas any prospect of materialising, and thus I must stick to the present method of holding dialogues across the Channel and the ocean. Mr. Wilson's Four Principles. Whilst setting out to do this, I willingly admit that the Messace of President Wilson of February 11 perhaps represents a slight step towards a mutual approach. I therefore pass by the over-long statements sent as a preliminary in order to address myself at once to the four fundamental principles which, according to the view of Mr.

Wilson, must be annlied during a mutual exchange of opinion. The first sentence says that each section of a final agreement must be constructed essentially on the justice of the case in question aiiu on sucn a settlement as is the most probable to lead to a peace which will be lasting. Who would contradict this? The sentence which the great father of the Church, Augustine, coined 1,500 years ago, "Justitia fundamentum regnorum," still holds good to-day, and it is certain that only a peace supported in all its parts by the fundamental principles of justice has any prospect of permanency. Governments and Peoples. The second sentence demands that the nations and provinces shall not be shifted about from one State sovereignty to another as if it were merely a question of objects, of pawns in a game, even in the game of the balance of power, which is now discredited for all time.

Also this sentence we can unconditionally agree to. Yes, one even wonders at the fact that the President of the United States has thought it necessary to emphasise it again. The sentence contains a polemic against conditions and perceptions which have long since disappeared, against Cabinet policy and Cabinet wars, against the mixing of State territory and princely private property, all of which belongs to a past which is far behind us. I should not like to be impolite, but when one remembers the former declarations of Wilson one cannot but think that he isfsuffering from a deluded belief that in Germany there exists some opposition between' an autocratic Government and the masses of the people without rights. And yet the President of the United States at least, as the German edition of his book on the State proves, knows from.

German legal literature that here in Germany the princes and Governments are the highest members of the whole organised people of the State, with whom the final decision rests, so that, whilst they are the highest organs, they belong to the whole, and they only guide the trend of decisions such as correspond to the welfare of the whole. It may be useful to state this expressly for the benefit of the countrymen of Wilson. When at the end of the last sentence he speaks of the balance of power as being for ever discredited, we can only welcome this joyfully. It is well known that it is England who invented the principle of the maintenance of the balance of power in order to make use of it when one of the European Continental States threatened to become too powerful for her likine, and it is only another expression meaning the domination of England. A Basis for.

Discussion. The third sentence, according to which every solution of territorial questions which might arise during the war should be settled in accordance with the interests and in favour ot the respective populations, and not as a part of the mere balance of power or as a compromise of the claims of rival States this declaration "is only an amplification of what has gone before, or a natural sequel; to it, and is therefore included in the assent already expressed. Lastly, the fourth sentence. He demands that all clearly circumscribed national claims must be given the most far-reaching satisfaction which it is possible to grant them without the tajhpg up of new or the perpetuation of the old foments of enmity, such as might lead to an early disturbing of the peace of Europe, and possibly of the whole world. This also I thoroughly agree with, and declare with President Wilson that a general peace can be discussed upon such a basis.

Entente and the Principles. I only wish to make one reservation, and that is that these principles shall be really recognised not only by the President of the United States but also by all States and all peoples. Mr. Wilson accuses the German Imperial Chancellor of a certain amount of holding, back. It appears to in his flights of idealism he himself has gone on far beyond the existing facts.

It is certain that a League of Nations built upon justice and mutual generous recognition, in which all the remains; of former barbarity in. war would have disappeared and in which there would be no bloody sacrifices, nO tearing of flesh between nations, and no destruction of the carefully acquired civilised values, is a condition of mankind and an aim most heartily to be desired- But this aim nas net yef oeen reacnea aesirea. im uiib iiiuuao im -v uoipj iueu, because as yet not one of all the nations will koon the neace in the name of justice as laid down by a court of arbitration. -If Mr. "Wilson says that the German Imperial Chancellor should speak to the tribunal of the chnis wnrld; in the name of the German Empire and.

her allies I must" decline, to accept this tribunal as. things siana wa-uav as oeing a prejudiced one, however much I might welcpine thetbringing into existence of an impartial eburt orV.it rati on -however gladly would co- operate to bring tfxrat such anideAl condition. however, such a distition as not at presentperceptiWe among the leading th Entente, '-he war aims of Ene- oDiamea trie Teins of government, was bound ternai disorder, because the propertied (class could not be expected to give up their privileges without a struggle. Therefore the war with reactionary bands, the fight against sabotage by tne intelligentsia trying to overthrow the Soviet Government by breaking the State machinery must continue till the bourgeoisie see the hopelessness of further resistance and surrender unconditionally. This means the necessity for the oviet Government to concentrate all its forces oa struggle.

3. The policy of the Russian Revolution must oe based on the general international the probability or improbability of tne outbreak of social revolution in the rest or Europe, but the chances of this in the immediate future are slight. Therefore it is a mistake for the Russian Revolution to base its policy on uncertain eventualities. 4. -In Germany the reaction has temporarily triumphed, setting before the Russian Revolution the alternatives of further war or an annexationist peace.

5. To sign a peace with German Imperialists is not, objectively speaking, treason to international Socialism-. When workmen are beaten in a strike, and have to accept bad terms from employers, they do not betray their class because they do not get all their demands satisfied ine -ney only accept bad conditions in order better to prepare for another struggle later. 6- the Russian Revolution continued the war alliance with Anglo-French Imperialism gainst Austro-German Imperialism on the basis of the old secret treaties recently published and not openly repudiated by the Allies, then it would be prostituting itself to foreign Imperialists. 7- As long as there is no social revolution in England and Germany, the Russian Revolution must seek9 the most profitable conditions in existence, relying as little as possible on the English or German Government negotiating with one against the and vice versa.

The Russian Revolution must try to adopt a neutral attitude to both Imperialist This is only possible by coming out of the war. 8. It is not true that the Russian Revolution is deserting Socialist comrades in England and Germany by signing a separate peace. It takes them longer to do what Russia has done because their Imperial Governments are stronger than the old Russian bourgeois Government. Nevertheless, the material weakness of Russia forces her to recuperate for internal reconstruction.

9. It would be a rash adventure to enter upon a holy war against German Imperialists, even if Russia were able to do so, on the chance of revolution in Germany breaking out in the next few months, for meanwhile defeat would mean more onerous conditions for the future development of the Russian Revolution. 10. Russia, ii she has peace, can become the envy ot all lands and tne centre of gravity ot the Socialist world. 11.

By concluding a separate peace Russia can utilise the fact that the Anglo-German Imperialists are too much engaged in a bloody struggle to attend seriously to ner. She can therefore concentrate on the internal development of the Russian Revolution. If Russia, under present conditions, attempts both enterprises internally to reap the full fruits of the revolution, and externally to carry on the conflict against foreign Imperialism she will lose both her objects, but if she concentrates on internal development now, she will secure her second victory later. M. Philips Price.

BOLSHEVIKS AND JEWS. ANTl-ZIONIST MINISTER JEWISH AFFAIRS. FOR Amsterdam, Monday. The Jewish Correspondence Bureau at the Hague has received a telegram dated February 22 from its Petrograd correspondent saying that a strong Zionist movement has assumed large dimensions in Russia as the result of Mr. Bal four's declaration favour of Palestine for the Jews.

The movement (says the correspondent) lias aroused warm sympathy for England, and is strongly opposed by the Bolsheviks. The correspondent adds that the Commissaries have appointed M. Dimenstin Minister for Jewish Affairs. This Minister stated that his task would be to combat Zionism, especially among soldiers. The Zionist Petrograd newspaper "Tageblatt" has been suspended and the editors put into gaol.

These measures have caused much excitement among the Jews. Reuter. TURKS IN TREBIZOND. Amsterdam, Tuesday. A Constantinople telegram of February 24 reports that Trebizond has been entered by Turkish troops and cleared of Reuter.

GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE IN GERMANY. CONSERVATIVES ENRAGED. Amsterdam, Tuesday. The Berlin correspondent of the Handels-blad" says: The Imperial Chancellor's speech on German foreign policy was calmly received, without any extraordinary display of enthusiasm. On the other hand, Herr von Payer's speech outlining a Liberal domestic programme met with a favourable reception from the Centre parties, whilst the Conservatives displayed great excitement and indignation at the Vice Chancellor's declaration that it was the intention of the Imperial Government to play a part in the Prussian franchise question.

This hint at the possibility of the Reichstag law being enforced in all the Federal States caused such rage among the Conservatives that Herr von Payer repeatedly had to interrupt his speech. At the conclusion of the speech the Conservatives shouted Shame while the Centre and Progressives loudly cheered, being joined by the majority of the National Liberals. The Socialists remained calm "throughout. Herr von Payer (the Imperial Vice Chancellor) in his speech said There is only one standpoint for home politics to-day in the fourth year of war namely, concentration of all the forces of the Empire through the citizens' unity, labour, and readiness for sacrifice for the purpose of enabling our victorious armies to fulfil, their heavy task. To that end things which still divide the various classes of the population must be removed It it quite intelligible that the heavier the sacrifices and burdens of the war laid upon it, the more the great mass of the population is dominated by the aspiration after political freedom of movement, political power, and influence on the Government No power on earth can crush this idea and this aspiration.

The individual States of' the Empire are also conscious of the demand of the and the most prominent instance that such is the case is the introduction of suffrage reform in the Prussian Lower House. I am firmly convinced that suffrage for Prussia as provided for in the bill before the Diet is coming. There is also a well-founded hope that it will come soon. The recent strike must from the public standpoint be most 'strongly condemned. Whilst it did not do so much damage to our waT industries as was at first feared, it has nevertheless done harm, if only by the mere fact that it raised hopes of our political and economic collapse to the highest pitch, thereby prejudicing our prospects of peace.

No one can tell whether it did not even directly prolong the war. The speaker stated that a reduction in the bread ration was not at present intended. The Berlin correspondent of the; "Kbl-nisehe Volkszeitung says: Conservatives, Free Conservatives, and all who do not take the view of the Left in questions of war aims were bound to feel most deeply hurt that Herr von Payer should have put these political groups on the same level with traitors like Liebknecht and Dittmann, -3 fWa wVi fAmanfAff a rflitnTrtim uerinan, nave been destroyed, uur losses lor the same period are eight. Many hostile machines have been driven down out of control. THE BRITISH REPORTS, Tuesday, 10 37 Morning.

A hostile attemnt urins the night to raid one of our saps south of the Arras-Cambrai road was driven off by rife fire. There is nothing further of special interest to report. 9 10 Night. Bevonrt snnu rinstilo artilierv antivitv at different points, particularly in the neighbour- ji riesquieres oi vjamoraw north-east of Ypres, there is nothing of special interest to report. On the 25th inst.

(Monday) low clouds and a very strong wind prevented work in the aiT duTinff the dav. After dark the skv cleared. though a very strong westerly wind continued. uur nignt-Dombing squadrons displayed great, activity, dropping a total of over 1,200 bombs in the course of the night. The targets chiefly attacked were aerodromes south of Ghent and west of Toumal used by the enemy's night-flying machines and other aerodromes in the neighbourhood of Courtrai.

Hostile billets round Douai and east of St. Quentin were also heavily bombed, over 350 bombs being dropped in the latter area. All our machines Teiurned. THE FRENCH REPORT. Tuesday Night.

Both artilleries displayed marked activity to the north of the Chemin des Dames (north of the Aisne) and on both banks of the Meuse, especially in the sectors of Hill 304 and the Mort Homme (west bank), and of Beaumont and Les Chambrettes (east bank), where our batteries violently countered the enemy artillery. There was no infantry action. Intermittent shelling took place on the rest of the front. POISON GAS. GERMAN REPLY TO RED CROSS.

Amsterdam, Tuesday. A semi-official statement in yesterday's Berlin newspapers, referring to the appeal of the International Committee of the Red Cross against the use of poison gas, says: To-day practical experience shows that both parties believe themselves to be in possession of a powerful weapon in gas, and only that parti' which feels itself to be inferior in its employment will readily decide to abandon it. For the weaker party, therefore, t.is propaganda against the use of stupefying gas will be a welcome means of attempting to strike an effective weapon from the stronger party's hand. It is asserted that Entente military quarters are sympathetically disposed towards this appeal. Ought not that to be sufficient indication of the superior effect of our gases, since no sensible person will believe that' the.

Entente would decide to abolish gas-fighting out of motives of humanity. "We Germans are prepared to welcome all attempts to assist the victory of international law and humanity, and we await the further development of this question with complete equanimity and a good conscience." Press Association War Special. THE "NEW GAS" STORY. Correspondents' Headquarters, Tuesday. I have been investigating the story that the Germans have already employed a very malignant new gas which is tasteless and colourless and does not escape from its non-bursting shell for many hours.

It appears that this story is based upon the experience of some men who got a whiff of gas without being aware of it in what was then a perfectly quiet spot. The explanation was that the stuff was ordinary German mustard gas wmcn had been imprisoned and neutralised in pungency bv a long spell of frost. Press Association War Speoial. GERMANY'S INVITATION TO BELGIUM. Amsterdam, Tuesday.

A Berlin telegram states that the Nord-deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung" (semi-official), after quoting the Chancellor's words about Belgium, says: "WHien the Chancellor confirms the readiness of the German Government to negotiate with the Havre Government (the Belgian Government) on the means of attaining this one should imagine that after this frankness and Hrarness the so-called Belgian question must come to an end in its present form." "Germania" says The-Imperial Chancellor had good reason for considering himself bound once again to define the German standpoint in regard to the Belgian question, for he wished to reveal to our enemies to-day the fateful decision which, thanks to the freeing of Germany's hand in the east, is approaching. Reuter. A BELGIAN REPLY. The Independance Beige says: For the first time the Chancellor addresses himself to the Belgian Government. What guarantees would the Chancellor like to obtain from our Government? Endless numbers of troops exist to show irrefutably that Belgium has always accomplished its duty, its whole duty, notwithstanding what it has cost her.

But what we have done in the past we should do over again in the future that is, we shall think, first of all, of defending our integral liberty; Belgians we are and Belgians we always will be. "We have suffered martyrdom for having maintained our engagements. We are yet menaced see our unhappy country plundered and ruined. Ana sun we oo not regret it honour before everything. It would be quite difficult for the Government at Havre to make proposals, but without any doubt it would answer the Chancellor sincerely and loyally." THE GERMAN SEA RAIDER.

PRIZE LOST ON DANISH COAST. Copenhagen, Tuesday. I succeeded last night in obtaining a detailed report regarding the escapades of the German raider Wolf, which has just returned after cruisinc for nine months the southern seas, Yesterday evening the five thousand ton Spanish steamer Igotz Mendi ran aground near the Skaw the northern point of Jutland). On board were fifty German seamen and forty sairs ot otner nationalities, including Englishmen, Australians, Ainericans, Chinese. Japanese, and Scandinavians.

All these 40 persons were brought ashore by Danish seamen, while the Germans refused to leave the steamer. The English and American seamen who belonged to the crew of the Igotz Mendi said that the steamer was captured on May 21 last, when on the way to Australia with 7,000 tons of coaL In the Indian Ocean a black merchantman steamed up. One of the ship's sides was removed, displaying a number of cannon. Several shots Were fired at the. Igotz Mendi, which was forced to stop, and it was then discovered that the merchantman was the German raider Wolf.

A prize crew was sent on board the Igotz Mendi. From near the coast of Australia the Wolf, and the Igotz Mendi started the voyage homewards four months ago, and the route taken was by tha south coast of Africa. The seamen say the treatment on board was fairly good, but there were outbreaks of scurvy and beri beri on board. -Exchange. German Crew to be Interned.

Copenhagen, Tuesday. A telegram from the Skaw states' that shortly a. aaa o-r, Tr tlt 1. RienaUed that the crew would leave the ship, Iceboat went out and brought all to the The Germans will be interned and th snore. "-V--r r.

sry 10 we had a free hand as regards Russia. The forward march of our troops, which began seven days after the breakinsr off of such negotiations, has for its object the assuring of the fruits of the peace concluded with the Ukraine. Inclinations for conouest were not determining factors. We were encouraged to take tne course adopted by the call lor neip from the Ukraine, so as to assist in keeping order in their young State against the destruc tive puncy unaertaxen oy tne uoisneviKs. The Advance into Russia.

If further military operations in other regions have followed, the same applies to them. Their aim is not one of conquest. They have bead, undertaken entirely- in consequence of tha representations of the population and at their urgent request to protect them from the outrages and devastation by the Red Guards and other gangs; They are, therefore, measures for their assistance, undertaken in the name of humanity, and they are of no other character. It is a question of procuring tranquillity and order in the interests of the peace-loving population. We have no intention of establishing ourselves in Esthonia or Livonia, but we oubr desire after the war to live.on friendly and neighourly terms with the State entities which are arising there.

I need not say anything about Courland andl Lithuania to-day. It is a matter for the populations of those countries to create the organisations for their self-determination and self-administration or to strengthen those whose erection has already been begun. We look forward with equanimity to their further development. The Russian Peace. The military action in the east, however, has achieved a success which far surpasses tha original aim to which I have just referred.

One of them is already known to you from the announcements which have been made by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that M. Trotsky, in a wireless message which was immediately followed by a written confirmation, has declared himself ready to resume the peace negotiations which had been broken off. On our side an answer was given at once by send-. sng our peace conditions in tne iorm ot an ultimatum. Thus yesterday this is the joyful announcement which I have to make to youths news reached us that the Petrograd Government has accepted bur peace conditions and has sent representatives to Brest-Litovsk for further nepotiations.

Consequently German delegates left yesterday evening to go there. It is possible that there may still be disputes concerning details, but the main point has been attained. The desire for peace has been explicitly notified by the Russian side. Our conditions have been accepted. The conclusion of peace must follow in a very short period of time.

Never, nerhans. before in historv has Aristotle's that we must be determined on war for tne sake of peace nad such brilliant connrma-tion. Our Army Command drew the sword in order to ensure the fruits of our peace with the Ukraine. Peace with Russia will be the happy sequel, and we will not allow our rejoicings ovr-r it to be disturbed by the foolish and inflammatory wireless messages which are constantly being disseminated throughout tha world. "Friends" with Rumania.

Yesterday peace negotiations with Rumania were begun at Bucharest in the presence of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. It was evident that his presence there was necessary during the first day or two while the foundations were being laid, but now he is to repair at once to Brest-Litovsk. In the negotiations with Rumania it must be remembered that we are not the only nation concerned, and that it is our duty to further the just interests of our loyal allies Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey, and to reach a settlement of desires which may perhaps be conflicting. This will possibly give rise to difficulties, but if goodwill is shown by aU Darties these difficulties will be overcome. But with regard to Rumania also we must be guided by the principle that we must in the future make friends and must wish to make friends of the States with whom we are now, strong in the success of our arms, concluding peace.

Poland and its Frontiers. If in this connection I say a word concerning Poland, for whom the Entente and President Wilson have seemed recently to feel a quite special interest, it is to mention that it is well known that this country has been-freed by the united efforts of Germany and Austria from oppressive dependence on Tsaristio Russia, with the intention of calling into being an independent State which, in developing without hindrance its -national culture, is to become at the same time a pillar of the peace of Europe. The constitutional problem in its narrower sense, the question of the system of government of the new State, could not, it wiU be understood, be decided at once, and is still at the stage of exhaustive deliberations between th6 three countries concerned. To the many difficulties which have to be overcome, particularly in the field of economics, fresh difficulties have been added by the breaking up of the old Russia, which arise from the drawing of a frontier line between the new State and the neighbouring Russian territory. For this reason great uneasiness was aroused in Poland when the peace with Ukrainia first became known.

But I hope that if goodwill is shown it will be possible to- arrive at a settlement of claims with reasonable consideration for ethnographical conditions. The announcement of the intention of making an earnest effort in this direction has already pacified Polish quarters to a great extent a fact which I have great satisfaction in establishing. In settling the frontier question only what is indispensable on military grounds will be demanded by Germany. GENERAL PEACE QUESTION. Entente's Aims of Conquest." As you have perceived from these statements, the prospect of peace on the whole of the eastern front from the Baltic to the Black Sea is almost within our.

grasp-and i which is sick and tired of war, and the neutral countries especially, are asking themselves in feverish suspense if the way to a universal peace has not been opeaed up. But leaders of the Entente, the people in England, France, and Italy, still seem to be absolutely disinclined to give ear to the voice of reason. Tn contradiction to the Central Powers thd Entente had pursued aims of conquest from the beginning. It is fighting for the handing over of Alsace-Lorraine io trance, nave notnin aa t.t what has been said before on thic ject. There is no Aisace-ijorrame question the international sense.

If there is such a Question, then it is-a purely German question. The Entente is fighting in order that Italy may acquire Austro-Hungari an territory. If in Italy, fine phrases have been invented for it, such as sacred aspirations and sacred egoism, they will not do away with the desire for annexations. The Entente is fighting to separate Palestine Syria, and Arabia from the Turkish kingdom. It is especially.on Turkish territory that England has cast her eye.

She has suddenly discovered jn-fiat svmDathv for the Arabs, and hopes by in- spanning tne AraDs, ana pernaps- oy tne ciea 'tion of a protectorate dependent on English rule, to attacn a new territory to tne jorwau-Empire. 'That England's colonial war aima.are urepted to the. increasing and roundingnoff of her enormous possessions, especially in Africa, has been stated, repeaieaiy oy skiw. jmen. Switzerland's Neutrality And in the face of this policy, which if aggresf $ive through and through and is directed to the appropriation of foreign territory, the statesmen still aareiAj-rwresent mffitarisfcvIm-.

rerialisL and autocratic uermany asvneojsnwuor Tho Germans have captured Pskoff (or Pleskau), 150 miles from Petrograd, after KMibborn' fiahting. The town contains 5)0 million roubles (40,000,000) worth of The invaders are continuing their advanco towards the capital. The Bolshevik Government, in a manifesto urging the defence of the Revolution t0" the last, state that Germany liis formally refused an armistice. The invade, thev declare, must be resisted sup hv step," but, if necessary, the "will retreat from Petrograd, and maintain its authority at Moscow or any other place in Russia. The full text is published to-day of the speech of the German Chancellor in the Reichstag on Monday on the question of war aims and ')tace.

The German press directs special attention to the Chancellor's reference to Belgium md the. readiness of the German Government to negotiate with the Havre Government." GERMAN PROGRESS IN RUSSIA. PSKOFF TAKEN. The following German official reports are issued Tuesday Aftebnoon. Vnnv Group of Eichhorn.

Yesterday inom-in" lour davs after the crossing of the Moon oTi'ij-'l the troops who had marched on Reval, with e'vL-list. cavalry, and machine-gun sharp-hontrrs at their head, under the command of Lieutenant General Freiherr von Seckendorff, took the formes after a battle. hi Livonia flags were hung out in many towns whin we marched in. A great many of the inhabitants who had been arrested by the Hr.t.-inns were set free. Suuh of Pleskau (Pskoff) our regiments met with stubborn resistance.

They defeated the enemy in a violent battle. The town was captured. Annv Group of Linsingen. Near Kolenkoritz enemy fortes threw themselves against detachments which were pressed forward into Ukrainia. Along the Pripet the enemy was thrown back by a smartly-carried-out attack, and the town and railway station were taken by storm.

Within a few days the troops of the Linsingen croup have -covered more than 300 kilometres mearly 200 miles) on foot, by rail, and in motor-' ears under conditions of great strain and hardship. In co-operation with Ukrainian troops they have freed a creat part of the country of looting gangs. The Ukrainian Government has restored" quiet and order in the regions which have been cleared of the enemy. The following prisoners have recently been broueht in on the eastern front: Three divisional staff officers, 180 officers, 3.676 men. The number of prisoners and' the booty taken at Reval and cannot yet be estimated.

Admiralty, per Wireless Press. Evening. The operations in the east are taking the in- ended course. Admiralty, per Wireless Press. EIGHT HOURS FROM PETROGRAD.

"Washington, Tuesday. Mr. I'Yancis. the United States Ambassador in Petrograd, has advised the State Department that yesterday a German army was only eight hours' marc-li" from Petrograd. The came via Poking.

Mr. Francis said he would join the Chinese and Japanese diplomatists and leave Petroerad along with them, lie made no reference to the plans of Kurnpean diplomatists. Router. BELATED RESISTANCE AT PSKOFF. Petrograd, Tuesday, 2 p.m.

Trustworthy information concerning the German entry into Pskoff at seven o'clock on the evening of February 24 states that the (. pat ion force consisted of two cavalry and six armoured cars. Immediately after their entry the Germans started farming the Russian soldiers, and then drove them outside the town. At- first the Russian soldiers offered no resistance, but ran panic-stricken in search of suVtv. The Lettish sailors were the first to iviovii and these, ascertaining that the Germans were in small forces, took the Fighting began outside the town, but wn extended into the streets of the town.

The IaUs succeeded in recapturing Pskoff, the Germans soon received reinforcements. The town changed hands several times, and the latest news of the German advance beyond Pskoff indicates that it is now in their possession. Exchange. Petrograd, Tuesday. The Petrograd telegraph was working yes-tordav with a station fourteen miles this side el rVkoff.

There is no confirmation hitherto of the rumours of the occtipation of Ltiga, hah-wav between Pskoff and Petrograd. The Stuff Headquarters on the northern front has transferred to Tver. Reuter. RICH BOOTY. Petrograd, Tuesday.

The official Petrograd Telegraph Agency ha issued a statement, dated February 25, dealing with operations in the Pskoff region, contains the following: Parlementaires stopped at Novocello, the bridge was destroyed, nd informed rinin Command of their arrival. Doubt--v- our Parlementaires are now in commumca- with the enemy. Nevertheless revolutionary S'Miadrons are advancing in the direction of Piko-f. iskoff there are four hundred million worth of supplies of all kinds, including :e.i:n:::ons. and it seems that the Germans are to seize these.

Reuter. DEFENCE OF PETROGRAD. URGENT APPEAL TO WORKERS FOR FOOD, Te Russian Government issues the following Brothers in this fateful hour of supreme trial, faeinir the 'terrible danger which is threatening the. hiwrf classes, we sound our tocsin. Mol.ihK i the whole population which is free fr nvloary service for the purpose of sppply-ins with bread the starving north and Bed The existing famine is sapping the viaLtv of the great and glorious defenders of the involution and of the labouring classes.

energetically a speedier transport of Wad Work bravely. Strive to secure better tr.affiiSSSW must hold out for several 'jaya Tin a desperate battle agamst the COMMISSABY FOB FOOD. Admiralty, per "Wireless Press. QUEUES AWAITINO ARMS. i PKTBOGBAD, MONDAY; indignation leigns iwn 2uK foPine to offer -otciaMj resistance.

neuter. THE CAPITAL BEWILDERED. Petrograd, Monday. lhe blare of syrens woke up sleeping Petrograd last night. Only this morning did the majority of the inhabitants know what it signified.

The Germans had entered Pskoff, and the syrens were a summons to come out with picks and shovels and dig trenches for the defence of the capital. About midnight all Petrograd district boviets were rung up on the telephone and informed that small German detachments had taken possession of Pskoff and were moving towards Petrograd. A general mobilisation of workmen and workwomen supporting the Soviets was ordered. All were to come to the Smolny Institute. Tramways were running all night and all motor-cars were requisitioned.

Tram-cars filled with soldiers and Red Guards were despatched to various railway stations during tho night. Reuter. ARMISTICE REFUSED. GOVERNMENT FOR DEFENCE TO THE LAST. The Russian Government issues the following: The peace delegation is on its way to Brest-Litovsk.

We expect at any moment news that it has arrived at the place appointed for peace negotiations. But there is no armistice. The German Government has formally refused us an armistice. German detachments are continuing to advance. We are prepared to sign their peace of usurpation.

We have already declared this. But there are many indications proving that the German Imperialists do not desire peace at the present moment, but the immediate strangling of the Workmen's and Peasants' Revolution. Resistance to the German hordes thus becomes the principal task of the Revolution, a wave of heroic, obstinate, pitiless resistance. Every position, every railway station, every locomotive must be defended, every possible obstacle must be put in the way of the enemy. Our greatest strength is our wide territories.

The enemy detachments are still very small. The occupation of Reval and Pskoff, and even of Petrograd itself, which is still far distant, can in no way decide the destiny of the 'Revolution. The Council's Government can, and, if needs be, must retreat. It must gather together its forces, and must appeal to the country, using the whole of its strengrfi and means in the defence of the Revolution. Should the threat to Petrograd increase, the Council's Government will remove to Moscow or to any other city oi Russia.

If the plundering raid of Germany should advance, the task of the Council's Government will be to destroy the possibility of a simultaneous catastrophic decision by the Germans. The'y are attempting to crush the Council's authority, and are in search of it on the routes leading to Petrograd. We will bar these routes by everything that we can interpose as ob stacles, xms at tne moment is trie principal task of the heroic Petrograd proletariat and of its revolutionary staff. But at the same time we must act in such a manner that German generals may declare they recognise tha Council's authority not only at Petrograd but throughout the whole country, in the nortn and soutn, ana on Doth sides oi the Urals. Even if they think they can reach Petrograd by means of a mere military promenade, wc will prove to them they will nave to disperse themselves all over Russia before they can reach and crush the authority of the Council.

Will they have adequate forces for carrying out such a task if we in every position defend ourselves heroically? No, for this they can never have forces enough. Such an enterprise must inevitably resolve itself into an adventure, and "It will fail. However deeply they may penetrate into Russia in their struggle against the Council's authority, the more surely will they bring about the outburst of revolution in Germany. Patience annd firmness are necessary. The first symptoms of panic created by the plundering raid of Germany have become bygone events.

The cowards are in flight, and have made room for the brave, who are rallying themselves in tens and hundreds of thousands for the defence of the Socialist Fatherland. If peace with the Council's Revolution is not the aim of German' Imperialists, then they will see that the Revolution knows how to defend itself. Again, we say we are willing to sign even a peace of usurpation. This we have already declared. But many things suggest at the present moment that the German Imperialists do not desire peace, but the immediate strangling of the Workmen and Peasants' Revolution.

Admiralty, per Wireless Press. IMPERIALIST ASSASSINS. INFLAMING RUSSIAN WORKERS FOR FIGHT. Petrograd, Tuesday. The following official proclamation which was posted in the streets yesterday is published in the newspapers to-day: The Imperialist assassins are continuing their monstrous advance into the interior of Russia.

The damned minions of William and the German Kaledins, together with the White Guards, are advancing against and shooting the Soviets, reconstituting the power of the landlords, bankers, and capitalists, and pre-rjaririfr for the restoration ot the Monarchy. The Revolution is in peril. A mortal blow will be struck against Red Petrograd. If you all workers, soldiers, and peasants, wish to retain power and the power of the Soviets, you must fight these hordes who are now seeking to devour you to your last gasp. Reuter.

NEW REGIME IN ESTHONIA. PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT FORMED. Petrogbad, Tuesday. Reval was captured yesterday. A telegram from that place through Narva states that the municipalities have begun their work.

The councillors published a manifesto declaring the independence of Estland. A Provisional Government has been formed. Estland has been declared a neutral State. No citizen must take part in the Russo-Gennan war. Property confiscated hy the Bolshevik authorities is to be immediately returned to the owners.

Estland soldiers, whether serving in Esthcnian or Russian regiments; are summoned to Reval first, otherwise they will be treated as deserters. Exchange. ALEXEIEFF STILL FIGHTING. Petrogbad, Tuesday. i The Soviet deputies' armies from the Caucasus are within, four versts of Veronesh.

At the station near Veronesh a battle is raging "between Alexeien and the Soviet deputies army, Rostoff is reported captured by the Soviets, ISal "id aTffiey receitlyaine to light in aXofce, who in ihVinterests of the-gsaeeepf Amsterdam, Tuesday, speeches of Mr. Lloyd George, are still abso- fa worid must be relegated to It evoked tremendous outbreaks of passion on the entire Right. After this scene it is expected that the debate on the Budget will lead to passionate speeches and the intensification of political differences. 1 Reuter..