THE DARDANELLES.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 484, 17 April 1909, Page 5

THE DARDANELLES.

1 RIGHT OF PASSAGE. RUSSIAN CRUISER'S INTENTIONS. GOING TO GREECE. (DYTELEGRAM!—PIIESS ASSOCIATION—COI'IRIfJHT.) (Rec. April 16; 10.10 p.m.) St. Potorsburc, Apiil 16. The, Russian oruiser, Teretz (1224 .tons) has sailed,from Sebastopol. It is announced 'that her destination is Piraeus (the harbour .of Athens, Greece). This will necessitate a passage through the Dardanelles (which is closed by treaty to warships except by the Sultan's leave). A "WAY OUT" FOR RUSSIA. In October "The Times" published a statement hinting at Britain's facilitating a friendly arrangement relieving Russia from the restriction wlich now makes Tier sonthern fleet largely a prisoner in the Black Sea. "The Times" said: "Rumours have been circulated that Russia wishes tp iako advantage of the present situation to demand 'compensation' for herself by obtaining a revision of tho agreements relating to the passage of the Straits. Tho Russian Government believe that such a revision is necessary in the interests of Russia. They do not wish, however, to niako this revision part of the programme of the conference ,or to force it upun Turkey. In the Russian view, it can only be effected with tho consent and goodwill of the Turkish Government, and as the result of fvfturo negotiations, which, it is hoptd, the British Government would facilitate. It would bo premature to discuss the details of such a revision, which are largely matters for technical consideration. ■■ But it is held that by tho friendly, co-operation of all tha interested parties an' arrangement could bo reached which would give Russia all that she requires without creating any menace to tho interests either of Tuikey or of Great Britain, or any other Power, and which by removing a long-standing Russian grievance would contribute : to; the consolidation, of the Anglo-Rus-sian understanding and to the establishment of a real friendship between Russia and Turkey."