The New York herald., 1921-01-07


New York Herald Burean.
Paris, Jan. q.
The conviction that militant Boil
shevism is about to unloose its armies
with the springs first thaws against
some, if not ALL the rampant States OF
eastern Europe has taken deep root
in the best informed circles here. The
French Government officially supports
the theory of a new Bolshevist drive
by declaring that confidential advices
received from different sources had
corroborated many unofficial reports
lately of the massing of Bolshevist
troops and of Russian preparations
for a definite offensive this month or
early in February.
While the French pretend not to
know whether it will be Poland or
Rumania that will receive the first
blow. we'll informed Russians here are
convinced the Bolsheviki are plan
ming to roll up the Rumanian armies.
using the Bessarabian issue as
means of Strengthening the Bolshevist
hold on Russia and .of winning the
support of the Russian Nationalist
elements.
Gen. Pilsudsli of Poland and Lithua-
nian and Lettish military men are hur-
rying to Paris. supposedly to confer
with French military chiefs regarding
these new Russian moves. Meanwhile
the Bolshevist menace appears TO be
having a new and unsettling effect on
the Bourse and business here generally.
Attack on Rumania Certain.
The world must not ignore the
Soviet military force. in view of the
scuteness at the present time Of the
danger of a Russian offensive against
Rumana," is the view of Gen. Alex
andre Noslxop. formerly an associate of
Gen. Alexieff the Cars Chief OF Staff.
expressed in an interview with THE
NEW YORK HERALD correspondent here.
War may break out next week or next
month";" he continued. but II is certain
the Bolshevil1 are preparing fop ~ great,
military move which will increase their
present zone of influence over the Rus
sian border States as first step toward
internationalism.'
Gen. Noskop predicted at the outset
the defeat Of the Kolchak. Denilline and
Wrangel adventures, pleading with
French military officials not TO send to
these -Bolshevist leaders war mu-
nitions which would certainly serve
only to increase the efficiency OF the
Soviet army and declaring at the same
time that Bolshevisin could not be de-
feated from the outside. He told French
military men that if the Bolshevild were
strong enough to restore the Russian
interior situation. particularly the rail-
roads and food supplies. the remainder
OF the world must accept the per-
manency of the Bolshevist doctrine in
$50 far as Russia was concerned.
Nevertheless, 1 believe the Russian
Soviet will try to obtain Bessaraba by
peaceful means while preparing for this
offensive" Gen. Noskop added. 'The
fact is that n strange political paradox
makes Soviet internationalism adopt inn
perialism with militaristio methods in
order to hold the Russian people to-
gether. The Soviet alone understands
tho spirit OF the Russian people and
knows how to direct them.
BoIshevist Army Stronger.
For this reason the potential strength
OF the forces available for a western
drive cannot be estimated accurately.
Ine BOlSneNlSt army mas DeeU growing
stronger and stronger since Wrangels
downfall. and undoubtedly Lenine and
Trotzky can command at least n million
trained men. who, however, lack perfect
equipment and are comparatively weak
I'm morale.
But do not forget that more than
100000 persons now compose the
population OF the regions under Soviet
ism, and the strength Of the Bolsheviss
army can be Increased at the will OF
leaders like Budenny and the Soviet
Chief OF Staff. In both Of whom the Rus
sian masses have confidence because OF
their military prowess."
Cen. Noskop said the Bolshevist ad-
vance probably would take the form OF
civil war. wherein artillery Of high call
brc and extensive foot formations would
not be essential so long as the cavalry
arm was we'll developed. This has been
Gen. Budenny's idea during the last
eighteen months.
TT is apparent that unless Rumania is
ready to fight she must give back Bess-
arabia, as the Russian concentrate
along tho frontier certainly are strong
enough TO take any area toward which
the forces are directed" he continued
THE retreat OF the Russians before the
Polish troops cannot be taken as a critic
rion. as the final advances were made