New-York tribune., 1919-10-12
Fears
Grave Crisis
In Riga Coup
Continued from page l

out news of the latest developments
in Riga. 1t expressed the fear that
communications has been interrupted.
(Cable company adviceS received in
New York. yesterday said that COM
muncation with Riga and other Baltic
points had been cut)
1t was stated at the legation that
the Esthonians were sending at least
two divisions of troops to aid the Let's
clared that the Let's were prepared, in
the event that the news Of the capture
of Riga was confirmed, to withdraw
some of their forces from the Bolshevik
front to Join their Esthonian allies
and the other Lettish forces in the
Riga region.
A report from Hclsingfors, received
by way of Copenhagen, states that the
Esthonian government has received an
and German forces attacking Riga and
is now discussing the situation with
the Esthonian army leaders.
General Sodis, commander in chief of
the Esthonian army now operating
south of the Gulf Of Finland against
Petrograd, believes that although Colo
mel Avalof- Bermondt, leader of the
Russian troops, and General Won der
Goltz are we'll supplied with arms and
munitions, and although their attack
is causing general alarm in the Baltic
states, great discord exists between the
German and Russian forces Their CO.
operation, in his opinion, will last only
a short time. The Lithuanian army. he
declares, is badly organized and
equipped.
German Russian troops under Cen
eral Won der Goltz and Colonel Avaloff-
Bermondt intend to GUST NJ. Ulmanic.
Lettish Premier, take possession of
Lettonia, and then, with the assistance
of BALTIC landwehr, advance against the
Bolsheviki, according to private let
ter which has reached Berlin from a
German officer at Mitau, says Berlin
dispatch. The letter outlines the plan
of campaign and tells of the inte ntions
of the German troops to defy the Ber-
lin government.
Other advices from Berlin quote the
"Tageblatt" as stating that General
Won der Goltz is travelling from one
unit of his army to another, urging his
men to return to Germany.
Although number Of troops for the
German Russian army in Courland were
recruited in Berlin itself. the CORE
spondent OF The Associated Press
learns in we'll informed quarters that
there Is no evidence to show any con-
nivance by the German government.
On the contrary, the Berlin govern
ment is believed here to be genuinely
alarmed at the presence Of such a
large force of adventurers on the bor-
ders of the republic and to be appre-
hensive over possibilities of a return of
these soldiers to German territory,
where they might swell the ranks either
Of the German monarchists or of the
partacans.
For many weeks recruits have been
smugglcd across the German frontier
into the Baltic Provinces These have
been assembled at the headquarters
Of the "Russian Western Army" at
Mitau.
Lettish Government in Peril
1t is stated that the Lcttish govern
ment faces an extremely dangerous
situatlon. since, owing to Interference
by local German troops, it is unable to
raise any proper amy and must RELY
upon small forces and upon any help
which the Esthonan government may
be able to send. Should the German
troops succeed IN overcoming the re-
sistance of the Baltic peoples, fears
are 1elt here that large part of the
country VII! be given over to plunder.
1t is officially declared here that the
Supreme Peace Council has not yet
decided to reimposc the blockade of
Germany in consequence of the aggres-
SION of General Won der Goltz against
Riga
The Supreme Council may find it
necessary. however, according to off
clai report, to refuse Gcrmany's re-
quest for food dstuFs and raw materials
which is now the subject of negotia-
ton.
Problem Difficult for Entente
The Baltic problem is conceded to be
the hardest the allied powers have en-
countered since the armistice. It is
believed the Lettsh government will
expect the peace conference to furnish
troops to resist General Won der Goltz
and his Russian supporters, but who