THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15874, 13 April 1917, Page 7

THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

BEST ELEMENTS STEADFAST. EXTREMISTS' NONDESCRIPT BACKING. GERMAN INFLUENCE UNLIKELY TO SUCCEED. (By Cable—Pre** Association—Copyright.) (Router's Telegrams.) (Received April 12th, 7.10 pjn.) LONDON, April 11. Reuter's correspondent at Petrograd, reviewing tho position in Russia, sayf tho extremists aro mainly represented by tho Council of Workmen and Soldiers. "What is unknown is tho backing they lmve in tho Army. If they have any, it is apparently confined to nondescript malcontents and other Jacobin types, •whose heads have boon turned by the Social upheaval. Tho secret efforts of Gorman agents to influonco theso is unlikely to succeod in view of tho steadfast attitudo of tho Government, -which comprises tho best elements in Russia. REMEMBER GALLIPOLI.

RUSSIA'S OBLIGATION TO

ALLIES.

THE GOVERNMENT AND

CONSTANTINOPLE,

SOCIALISTS AND ANNEXATION.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received April 12th, 7.21. p.m.)

LONDON, April 11

Tho "Onily Chroniclo's" PetrogruA correspondent., explaining tho Provisional Government's attitudo regarding annexation, especially in connexion with Constantinople, states that the question cam© to the forefront as a result of the Foreign Minister's "(M- Miliukoff) -statemcnt of-his personal view that Austria should be disintegrated and that ltussia should annex Constantinople. Tho Socialists were thrown into a ferment, and tlie position became so serious that tho Government was compelled to disclaim any desiro for annexation.

Tlte Congress of tho Cadet Party, which is the best organised in Russia, lias passed a resolution in support of tho Government's statement. Tho veteran leader, M. Rodichoff, emphasised Russia's obligation to tho Allies, and added: "Those sneering at the an. nexation of Constantinople should remember tho Allies' tremendous sacrifices in our interests. Thousands of tho British and French soldiers La buried, for Russia's sake, at Gallipoli* We don't want tho Allies to sajr, 'W« gave our sons and brothers at GallipoH merely to satisfy a Russian whim* J '

RELATIONS WITH SCANDINAVIA.

NORTHERN HARBOURS NOT

COVETED

CHRISTIANIA, April 11. , M. Miliukoff, in an interview with tho "Aftcnpost," stated that Russia's relations with Scandinavia; would bo most cordial. There was no fear that Russia would attempt to take any of the Swedish and Norwegian northern harbours. ' Russia's way to the sea was through, the Dardanelles, and a passago to Constantinople was a necessary condition to Russia's life.

RUSSIA'S NEW ARMY.

DRASTIC REORGANISATION

LONDON, April 2

Russia is remodelling and rejuvenating her army in preparation for lier coming efforts. Mr Wilton, "Tho Times" corrcaspondant, who is visiting General Alaxieff'e headquarters, says: "The old link between the army and tho country was tho Tsar, tho incompetence and inefficiency of whoso regime led to the breakdown of food supply and transport services. As a result of prolonged conferences at headquarters it has been decided to adopt the British model of War Cabinet, with a committeo representing tho Duma, tho Departments of Workmen, Finance and Industry, in co-operation with largo powers. Sweeping changes axe being made in the army personnel. In tho past promotions have been based #on favouritism, and cumbersome seniority. Many regiments harvo already dismissed incompetent or reactionary senior officers by vote. In nearly every case the boycott was justified. Many officers lost their places because they had German names. Anti-German feeling is pronounced: throughout tho army. General Alexieff is a stalwart advocate for the Duma, and he prevented tho Tsar from escaping to the Crimea."

AMERICAN PREPARATIONS.

RECORDS IN RECRUITING,

VANCOUVER. April 1

Swift preparations, which have been proceeding over since February Ist, find the United States well advanced in its readiness for the fray. Hundreds 06 cdhtracts havo been awarded for war vessels for the Navy. Recruiting is strong, and up to 100,000 enlistments for both tho navy and the army have been received, breaking all records. Patriotism is displayed in every city. Crowded meetings throughout tho country arc giving a solid backing to tho President. Pacifists, finding it hopclees to avoid war, now raliy to help with, plans for taxing tho rich to carry on the war. . The general question of what to ao with tho enemy alien will be worked out as it was in Canada. Tho Postal Department is creating a secret service corps of 500,000 postmen, to ecan everj letter with tho object of defeating th< machinations of spies.