Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-07-04
HALT PROPAGANDA
OF HUNS IN EAST
Power of Czecho-Slovaks in ST.
IBERIA Large Military
Factor.
CONTROL FOOD SUPPLIES
Numerous Well-Armed Forces
Hold Points of Strategic Value,
Including Vladivostok.
CONTROL FOOD SUPPLIES

BY Associated PrcEs.I
WASHINGTON. July 3.--CneNpected
development of strength by the Czecho-
Slovak bands which are making their
way across the Siberian plains from
European Russia. has arrested the at
tcntion of officials here and formed the
basis of earnest conferences among the
diplomatic representatives OF the en-
tente powers
Official reports received to-day con
frmcd and amplihcd press dispatches
that the Czccho- Slovaks had taken over
;idmni stration of the paciflc port OF
Niadivostok after overcoming armed
opposition by tho Bolshcviki III Il bat
tie in which there was considerab bic
less OF life. The Significance of this
event AS seen by officials lies In the
fact that there is now a real nucleus
various elements which have rcvoltcd
against Bolshevik control and surrcu-
der to German Influences.
CZECIio-SLoVAkS HALT Hun
PROPAGANDA IN SI"ERi'
While 1t Is b. no means certain that
posed at present. a. least. to take ad-
vantage OF the situation thus created
I, begin military campaign in that
quarter II Is regarded as a valuable
asset in the solution of the problem
that through this unpromptcd action.
the CIccho- -Slovaks have definitely halt
I'd the spread Of German control 10 the
eastern coast OF Siberia and further as
surcd the safety from German seizure
OF the vast store of military supplies
d; Nladivostok and vicinity.
Whether the Czccho- Slovaks can take
full advantage of the possession OF
the Pacific port, commanding a great
railroad penetrating the interior OF
Siberia and connecting with the Rus
sian system, would seem TO depend on
their anility to hnd common aspira-
IONS and gather their strength under
me leader, ltalso- is reEarde cd, Us s,esi-,
initial that they effect Junction In
purpose, If not phys. /, ~, with othe
elements now in revolt in Siberia and
European Russia. Once this has been
accomplished it is believed that the
entente powers and America may bc
induced to consider the question as 1,
whether there has not been established
the stable and representative govern
ment in Siberia and Russia AS well.
which they may recognize and aid
WELL ARMED ORGANIZED
FORCES HOLD STRATEGIC POINTS
Various bands of Czecho -Slovaks. well
armed and thoroughly organized, uc-
cupy many points or strategic value
along the Siberian railroad from the
Ural Mountains to the Pacific Coast In
forces numbering from 1000 10 l5.-
600. with the largest body at Vladi-
vostok. From Irkutsk to Niadivostok.
however. is long stretch held mainly
BY German and Austrian prisoners, who
have been partially armed. and are
trying 10 secure more arms from
Nladivostok.
From Irkutsk 10 Syzran, IA distance
Of nearly $500 miles. through the grca,
grain and dairy region of wostera
Siberia. the Czccho- Slovaks are in
control. Great stores Of grain, butter,
eggs and meat arc held at various
points along this par, OF the railroad
and the Germans are using every en-
deavor to obtain them for shipment
to Germany.
The Czecho -Slovaks are trying to
effect union of the various bands
through this stretch OF country TO
present front against the Germans
while at the same time insuring the re-
tention Ut the control of the railroad.
To that end efforts are being made TO
bring the large body from Niadivostok
with the arms and munitions stored
there.
PORT OF kOIA SHOULD
CERTAINLY BE; RETAINED
While the weight OF expert opinion
favors the Siberian as against the
Continued on Second PagcD