The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-08-10
LEh|NE TALKS OF WAR
Allied Plans for Siberia
Go Right Ahead in
Spite of Hostility.
HUN ENVOY BUSY
Russian Premier Has
Yielded to Teuton
Pressure Is Belief in
Washington.

Washington, August 9.--An-
nouncement by Premier Nichoiai.
I,enine. of the Bolshexik govern
ment. that Russia is in state
of war with the allies win In no
way retard immediate execution
of the plan To extend economic
aid to Siberia.
This fiat declaration was OBJ
tanned at tho White House and
the state department today. \
careful study Of the official re-
ports is said TO have convinced
President Wilson that Ltninc has
yielded to the influence of the
German amba ssador at MOSCOW
rather than TO the sentiment of
the Russian people.
To know the real attitude of
the Bolshevfsts is to have the
situation clarified. il was stated.
Prior to this every step taken had
been made In the dark. Lniue
viii be quick 70 shift his syni-
pa.hIcs, IL Is thought, as soon as
it can be demonstrated that the
success OF the American and al
Lied plan will lift the German
yoke of oppression from Russia.
The very fact that the pro-
nouncement does not appear to
bc predicated ON any plan for
hostile aggressive action il re-
gardcd as evidence that the policy
of the Boisheyik leaders was
hastily considered.
Counsul-Generai Poole at Moscow. tr
A message forwarded 10 the state de-
partment on July 81, and Jus. received
gave the details of Lenines announce
nent. What has happened in the in
nine days is net known "a:
Am bassador Francis. whr is now oT
ths Nurmask coast IL entirely out O
touch with conditions In European
Russia
Consul-GeneraI Poole's report told
thar Lenine. while addressing q meet
ing OF Soviets had announced that z
declaration of war existed The
leader talked only I'm gen.
eral terms Of opposition TO the plar
OF intervention. which vas referred
TO as war-like invasion.
The American consul with repre-
OF other interested power.
at Moscow called on the Russian for
eign minister Tchicherin for an ex,
They were told tina
Lenine's declaration did not necessary,
mean hos,ilities, but that It implied
state OF defense rather than state o
war (-
Tchicherin is also quoted by III,
American consul general as havins
stated that Russia wished to conrinu,
relations with the allies under simllai
as with Germany
The transparency Of the latter state
ment was the cause of considera hi,
relief al the state department. ant
Sas declared 10 demonstrate beyon,
doubt that the Bolshevist government
authorities are merely playing safe
during a period in which Russian
politics will be in a highly transitor,
state
There is very little information II
either at the state de
partment o rthe Russian embassy, a
10 the number of Bolshevik troops &C
tually under arms in European Rus
s4a. The strength OF the German
forces was recently estimated n
thirty-two divisions. or approximately
100000 men. of very inferior class
Confidential reports received re
Gently at the state department wer,
to the effect that Germany had beer
unable 70 withdraw this considerable,
force owing to the frequent and in
creasing disorders in the border states
While hthe kaiser purposes to annex
There never has been any indication
OF a disposition by the Bolshevil
forces to amalagamate with the Ger
mans
This military situation in Europea,
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