The New York herald., 1920-01-02
New States independence Rec
ognized by Pact and Hostili-
ties Come to an End.
|BOLSHEVISTS DEFEAT
GENERAL DENIklNE
He Retreats on 600 Mile Front-Wc.
tory MenaceS Persian and
Afghan Borders.

DORPAT, Esthonia. Wednesday Cby the
Associated Press).-The first step toward
peace between Esthonia and Soviet Rus
sia was taken tonight by the signing OF
a preliminary armistce. which is to exist
for one week. This stipulates an inlme-
date cessation of hostiites and covers
questions concerning Esthonian independ-
ence and military guarantees with regard
to the frontiers.
The agreement, which may be termi-
mated on twenty-four hours notice By
either side, is to become effective Jan
uary 9. Unless action is taken to termi-
nate it the agreement automatically re-
news itself after seven days.
Cancels Debts to Russia.
The agreement consists of five docu-
ments. and includes map defining the
frontiers. An interesting clause aosolves
Esthonia from all obligations to Russia
resulting from former connections with
that country,
The signing OF the agreement had been
set for one o'clock in the afternoon, but
it was not until nearly eight in the even-
ing that the conferrees succeeded in az
council room then were thrown open anc
the correspondents invited to enter
| The delegates were seated at "a huge
round table with Mr.. Poska. the Esthon-
| ian Foreign Minister, and Adolph Joffe,
the Bolshevik commissioner, in the CEN
| tre with their respective delegations rae
ing each other All the delegates ap-
peared to be in a cheerful mood as q
result of relief from the strain of the
j long drawn-out and tedius negotiations,
but there was observable no spirit of
comradeship between the opposing fac
tions.
The text OF the clause recognizing
Es.honia says
/ "In accordance with the principles OFT
4 proclaimed by the Soviet Russian govern
ment OF the right of all peoples TO a free
determination OF their nationality. even to
/ the complete secession from tho state TO
which they belong, Russia recognizes
without reservation the independence OF
I the Esthonian state and freely abdicatcs
\ for all time all the sovereign rights which
belonged to Russia with respect to
Esthonia's land and people. in accordance
with former state orders. AS well as those
rights given under international treaties
Esthonian land and people shall have no
obligations whatever with respect to Rus
sia because of the former connections OF
| Esthonia with Russia"
/ Armies Remain Rcsd,.
The agreement stipulates that during the
cessation OF hostilties the respective ar-
mics shall remain on the territory held by
each, and that the land between them
shall be considered neutral zone.
The frontier is fixed at ten kilometres
eastward OF Lake Peipus. crossing Lake
Peipus and Lake Pskov and running
thence sOuthward To the east of Tsborsk
The present Esthonan military line is left
approximately intact The frontier settle
ment Is regarded as an important Esthon-
ian victory.
The signing Of the armistice proceeded
eNpeditiously. only twenty minutes were.
required for the forInaities. The clericsl
staff. which included many young women.
chatted unconcernedly at the tables ifi
corners OF the room. Mr.. Joffe, wearing a.
red insignia in the lapel of his frock coat
Offered the only color 10 the gatherin,.
except that a stalwart Bolshevik clert
sported flashy sweater.