Situation in Central Asia

REFUGEES who have recently entered N.E. Persia form Trans-Caspian have thrown light in the situation in Central Asia. Since their advance to Askhabad early in July the Turkestan Bolsheviks have not resumed the offensive against the Trans-Caspian force, which is holding a position on the railway between Askhabad and Krasnavodask. Part of the Bolshevik force on this front has been withdrawn eastwards, probably to oppose the Cossacks who are operating on the Orenburg railway in the vicinity of the Sea of Aral. In Semirechia also, the Bolsheviks appear to be hard pressed by a detachment from Koltchak’s army, which is advancing southwards. Communications with Russia via Orenburg are still closed, and the Bolsheviks, are, in consequence, suffering from a shortage of munitions of every kind.