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An Officer's Allegations

Referring to the allegations published in the press by Lieut.-Col. Sherwood Kelly regarding the British operations in Xorth Russia, the Note save that Lieut.-Col. Kelly was removed from his post on August 16 and sent back to England for

a serious offence under Hhc Army Act. Gen. Baron Ra-wlinson reported that he refrained from courtma-rtiaJling him only owing to his gallant record. Lieut.-Col. Sherwood Kelly was now otherwise an offender against the 'King's Regulations, and will be subjected to disejjinaiy action. ' Mr. Churchill then proceeds to recapi tulate the steps taken, as already pub lished, in connection with the British withdrawal. He refers to the upsetting of the British plans to withdraw fr6m North Russia without risk, difficulty, or anxiety as regards the fate of the North Russian Government and the array, owing to the failure of Admiral Koitchak's plan to join up with the Xorth Russians. It is not proposed to issue any statement of policy regarding the progress of the operations until the British lives are no longer endangered by publicity, or the Russian Nationals' interests are not prejudiced. Referring to numerous rumours about the anti-Bolshevik forces in the Baltic

States and on the Petrograd front, which are chiefly ascribed to Bolshevik wireless reports, Mr. Churchill said no British were ever employed there, nor C'.i the British Governmeut ever accept reaponsi- j bility of those military operations'. We only furnished munitions and advice, and j the British navy, with its superb efficiency, . prevented the Bolsheviks raiding the Bal- 1 tic ports. ] The Xote points out tbat tbe Baltic I States were subjected to social dangers! from the Bolsheviks- and political dau- 1 gers from Germany. Tiiese were not avertable sfugle-h^ndedly by Great Bri tain, but they have engaged tte atten tion of the Peace Conference for some time. The proplem can only be grappled with by the victorious Allies meting in concert. The 'Daily Mail' in a leading article says:— Mr. Churchill's statement has made it clear our men are in a dangerous posi- 1 tion. He seenis pleased he is unable t-» ' reveal the full facts, which is unfortunate, ' because public distrust of official state ments regarding North Russia is markedly affecting the Trades Union Congress. The operations i North Russia have similar characteristics to Mr. Churchill's adven tures in Antwerp and Gailipoli.

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