BRITAIN AND RUSSIA

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3036, 24 March 1917, Page 9

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA

FRATERNAL GREETINGS FROM

PARLIAMENT

A BIG WAR ISSUE AT STAKE

THE FIGHT FOR FREE INSTITUTIONS

. London, March- 22. The following Government .motion was placed before the House' of Commons:— . . ■■; .

That this ' House sends the Duma fraternal greetings, and tenders to the Russian people' its heartfelt congratulations on the establishment of free institutions, with the full confidence that it will lead not only to the rapid progress of the Russian nation, but the prosecution with renewed steadfastness of the war against the stronghold of . autooratic .militarism which threatens the liberty of Europe."

Mr.Bonar Law, in moving the roso-i' lution,.said that events in Russia had arrested the. attention of the' world ■in the'.midst of a world-wide convulsion. We were reminded of the French Revolution; the bright dawn of which' was quickly overcast- It was too soon to say that all danger in Russia had passed, too soon to feel'confident that the_ now Government hail laid a foundation oh which liberty could bo buITF with wisdom and justice for its com-; panions.- But it was not too soon to send friendly greetings of goodwill to a Government which liad been formed for the purpose of. carrying on the war. It was confronted-with the ar* duous task of driving out the foreign aggressor and establishing freedom at home. The message would have special force as coming from "The Mother of Parliaments." ''

An Overburdened Tsar. / Mr. Bonar Law continued': "It is not for us. to judge, much less to condemn, those who have takeh-part in the government of an Allied' country.. But I I h °pe-1 may be permitted to express a feeding, .which the vast majority nf the House share, namely, a feeling of compassion- for the late Tear, who for three years was a loyal ally, and upon whom was laid by' birth a burden" whioh proved too heavy." Nevertheless we could ( not forget that one of the greatest Issues of the war was whether free institutions could survive against the onslaughts of military despotism. He could not but rejoice and hope that in the final stages of the world conflict all the Allied Powers would be under the direction of Governments which represented the people. (Cheers.) The Government submitted the resolution in the hope and belief that it would. strengthen the. hands of the l Russian Government in its difficult task.

Mr. Asquith said the resolution expressed the opinion of the whole of the Empire. The momentous events in Russia commanded 1 special and immediate recognition. ' The autocracy had been blotted out in a few days without effective resistance, or even defence.' He was glad to know that the form of the future government would be submitted to _ the free judgment-of the enfranchised people of Russia, and thus take its place, at the side of the great de-' mocracies of the world. Britain should first rejoice in Russia's, emancipation, and welcome her into the fellowship of froe peoples. We have confidence in the men who form the new Government, and feel assured that they will concentrate their resources to bring the war to an end which will justify the sacrifices of the Allies."

A Warning to Autocracies. Mr. Joseph' Devlin said the Russian revolution was a warning and a portent to autocracies everywhere. He desired that the voice of Ireland! should join, in united harmonyj- in an expression of profound sympathy with Russia's emancipation. Mr. G. J. Wardle supported the resolution on behalf of v Labour. Mr. A. Ponsonby was much interrupted; while casting doubts on the' assertion of the leaders. A Pointed Question. In the House of Commons Mr. R. L. Outhwaite asked whether, in view of the charges levelled against the Tsar and his. Ministers, the .. Government would now give full. information regarding Russia's action in opposing the intervention of Greece on the side of the Allies in connection with the attack on the Dardanelles.Lord Robert Cecil (Minister for Education) :. "No, sir."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. .-.•' ■■:. ; .' ■ .

STIRRING MESSAGE.: FROM MR. LLOYD GEORG& :

'Rec. March 23, 5,15 p,m..)

• 'London/.-March 22. Mr. Lloyd George has telegraphed to Prince Lvoff (the Russian Premier) the most profound' satisfaction of Britain and her "overseas Dominions that Russia will stand with the nation's which base their . institutions on responsible gov- • eminent. "Much as we appreciate the ; ' loyal and steadfast co-operation of the' Tsar-and Russia's a'rmiesfor the past 2J- years, I believe that the revolution by which her destinies fiave been based on. the sure foundation of freedom will be the greatest service yet made to the Allied cause and, prove, that the war is a struggle for the population and the Government equally. It is- a. sure, promise that Prussian'' military autocracy will soon be overthrown. There is no doubt that the result w.ill be_ the establishment of a stable Constitutional Government, and strengthen .Russia in-.her resolve to prosecute thewar until the laststronghold of tyranny has been destroyed and'.all .free, peoplesunite to attain ■< the future fraternity of peace."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-.: Reuter. PRESENT SITUATION REVIEWED v • .- • . tLITTLE POSITIVE NEWS. London* March 22. ' The' "Morning Post's" correspondent at Petrograd, in .a message dated Monday, says that there is. little poSitivo ■news beyond the satisfactory fact that oneregiment has returned to barracks again, under its proper command.' The food supply problem lias not improved, despite. the attention devoted. .to it. Several necessaries are unprocurable, and the situation is aggravated by"-a continual blizzard. The Duma was the scene of a meeting of a thousand soldiers,, which chose a representative Workmen's' and Soldiers' Council, which seems to command the general situation. At a mass meeting in the precincts of the Duma, many sofdiors and French and Belgian workmen appealed to their Russian comrades not to-.forget the war, and re-' minding them that the Germans at Riga were within four hundred versts of Petrograd. While many . soldiers are-beginning, to _ realise wha® this means, the more violent elements seem to.belioyo that internal politics-are of primary'importance. The Extremists. " ■ . Some oxti'cmo internationals Aave :; gained a footing, and their aim-is'-to'. :i stop the war. Their newspaper hails- ■ a Republican Russia, which any com- : . petent observer Tegards at present as- ■'■: inconceivable. The Socialist Republi-

can agitation momentarily eclipses tHe war. Preparations for the Constituent Assembly are being hastened, ignoring the absence of the twenty-five millions in Germari<icoupied territory, the million prisoners of war, and the millions in the firing line at the front. M. Kornfloff has arrived at Petrograd. He states that he hoped the soldiers would now quickly realise thesupreme importance of the war. There is some apprehension at the continued loss of time in making munitions, and the loss of discipline in many reserve battalions who should be prepared to' proceed to the front.

control of Publio Feeling,

.-.The .Central News agent at- Petro grad, writing-on Tuesday,- says that; the return of the munition, workers caused matters to turn.-A demonstration by those in 'favour of the now order yesterday demanded th 6 execution ;of "the obnoxious partisans of the old regime. M. Keronsky, in a speech, succeeded in calming the excitement.

Mischievous rumours to-day stated that' the Germans had broken the Rus? si an line'on the Riga-Dvinsk front. General 'Doitrieft, in a reassuring- letter to mombors of the' Duma, said the army was firmly holding tho positions, and even ■ more firmly holding their faith in final triumph. ,

' The Workmen's and Soldiers' Council has appointed Friday for the burial of their comrades who fell in .the revolution.' A' general holiday will ho' observed in Petrograd. The' fortress will ■firea salute; and all the bodies will be ■buried in one grave.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

.: EDIMSTERS TO BE TRIED BY JURY. (Rec. March 23, 5.15' p.m.) Petrograd, March 22. .. ffl the members of the Dynasty have placed themselves at the disposal of the Government. ~The ex-Ministers will be tried by jury. The death penalty will be abolished.—Reuter. i .. russia¥mrayers (Rec. March 23, 5.15 p.m.) . Petrograd, March 22.. The "Bourse Gazette" states that correspondence between the Tsarina and proves the Germafopaile tendencies of the late Government, and confirms the reports of fche_ efforts of the adherents of the 'old regime to conclude a separate peace with • Germany .-^-Reiiter..

CHARGE OF HIGH TREASON EX-MINISTER OP WAR TO BE -■ : ~" •»-- TRIED. ••■'•-■_ Petrograd, March 22. The Government has ordered the immediate prosecution of General Sukhomlinoff (ex-Ministgr of War) for high treason.— : Aus'.-N.Z.' Cable Assn. WHAT THE GRaWTuKE NICHOLAS THINKS OLD REGDIE IMPOSSIBLE. , (Rec. March 23, 9.40 p.m.) ■ / ''~ • March 22. ; The Grand Duke Nicholas, interviewed at Tiflis, said that the new Government being an accomplished fact, a return to the old regime was impossible. "I will never countenance Buch a retrograde step. I look forward to our ultimate victory, but a necessary condition -is internal peace. I am sure the Government will be able to prevent anarchy, but only with the fiupp'ortrbf the people. '■;.Generals Russky arid Sonritricff have issued a proclamation to the soldiers appealing for discipline and order, and the utmost efforts to secure victory. General Bnisiloff has issued a similar 'proclamation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

A MATTER'OF SEVEN DAYS, FROM .CHAOS. TO ORDER,. Moscow, March 22. " The first details of the revolution in Moscow _show that it began with a general strike on March 13. A temporary committee,, equally representing workmen, co-operative societies, and : public bodies, was elected. The police disappeared. The troops joined in. slowly at first, but Colonel- Gruzinoff, President of the Provincial Zemstvos, assumed the leadership of the revolutionary troops, and 'later toured the garrisons, and all had adhered by March 14. They seized' the Kremlin and the arsenal, freed political prison T ers, and 'burned the archives of the secret police.' Colonel' Gruzinoff reviewed thirty thousand troops on March 17. The clergy invoked a blessing on the new Government, and.normal life was resumed on March' 19.

?l STORY OF THE ABDICATION ; ' GENERAL RUSSKY PLAYS' APART: Petrograd, March. 22. v ', General Russky is believed to. have '■'■ agent in persuading the Tsar to-abdicate. The Tsar was en route to Petrograd' when he learned of the revolution. He met General Russky at 'Pskouy and said that he had decided to grant a responsible Ministry. General Russky saw the manifesto was already signed. General Russky ' conversed with'M. Rodzianko by telephone for two hours. Convinced that the Tsar.must abdicate, he communit. cated the conversation -to Generals Ale.xi.eff,. Nicholas, and Brusiloff. . All' '. considered that abdication was neces- . sary...: .General Russky informed the Tsar, who "accepted the. advice.—Aus.N.Z.. Cable ASSUME FUTURE OF- FINLAND > , A GOVERNMENT MANIFESTO. . Petrograd, March. 22. The Government manifesto ratifies the Constitution of the Grand Duchy .of Finland, a general political amnesty, and immediate convocation of the Diet, with enlarged powers. —Aus.N.Z.' Cable Absu." London, March 22. Reports from Berlin state that the Finnish:lndependence .Committee has proclaimed the Independence of Finland ■at' Vasa- (in Western Finland).—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. EXILED FINN RETURNS TO GOVERN •~"" (Rec! March 23, 9.40 p.m.) Copenhagen, March 22. ... ■.. Mi Svia.Hufvud; a former President of the Finnish Diet, and for several years an exile in Siberia, has returned, and,been appointed procurator of Finlaud. ■ •-,- The Russian Government has required refugees at Stockholm to re.turn. Hundreds have arranged to leave on' Saturday.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

REVOLUTIONARY SYMPTOMS IN GERMANY CONDITIONS BELIEVED TO BE RIPE Washington, Mirth 22 The State Uepartniont believes that conditions are ripe for a revolution in Germany.—Aus.-N.Z. Gable Assn. ' 'BUREAUCRATiC ABSOLUTISM " '" - Paris, March 22. Hei-r Ledebour (Socialist), speaking in the Reichst-ag, said "Wo li.mo just le.arncd.oi; the great e\enti>.iu Russia,- whicli emphasise the nnpoitaiico of "suppressing ouriburoaucratic absolutism. Germans do not wish to remain behind other ' pcoples>."—Aus.N.Z./Cable Assa;

': -^' Amsterdam,, March 22. / The newspapers"' hefp' discredit th«. rumours of.-serious-'-diserder-s in Ger-v many, and point out that telegraphib communication with Holland is not in.'. terrupted. * . _ ■ ■Copenhagen has learned from reliable;sources that the same rumours are untrae.— AssnV (j'/_ ■"' •'-'- STRIKg OF- 'EOETY" THOUSAND WORKERS. -'; '(Sec. March 23, 5.5 p.m.) .y. > ' : Rotterdam, March 22.v';' Forty thousand munition workers at Dusseloorf have, struck as a protest' against short Cable) Assn.-. -*<;o----VV *?■?:::}.-:■■. ;'■':'-; THE WICE-QF:;TIiI : etECTORB. "•'■ LESSON %F '"'"''" (Rec! 'MareH"2S, 5f15 ; p.m.) ..' " ; j- 'Amsterdam, March 23;" V The *by-clecti.oii .for.Potsdam,, to rs-i,, place Dr.. Liebknechtp'resuKed'-'in an-' overwhelming majority- for;- Herr Meh-ringi'-a Socialist;' who- ha'S for a long.' time been ■iihder-preventfl.tive- arrest." '!' . The "Vorwaerts," referring .to the developments in Russia,'- says': "It ■would" be a dangerous mistake if equal suffrage "were introduced into Prus- - sia. during, the .war."—Reute.r.. ; ;^- ■'■-• WHEN TSAR Jfy '' INCIDENT : :i TRAIN;-' -t . '-.- s- ; : (Roc. MarchyM,-'5.15;5.m.) ■-•";."■ Petrograd,-iMarch 22:!;.„.

At the outbreak of -the revolution three generals, who were accompanying tlie Tsar oh : the train : towards'Petrograd, informed 'him' of-tilefactual position. The Tsar wept, and said: "I submit, to the will. of. the .people,, if it' ; will not jeopardise-niy wife- and son. I shall be glad-to live'oiviny estate,at Livada. I love trees-arid flowers, and my deepest wish; is ' : to end my days there.!'. .*• ... .... ~.-..:... v ' General Yoietukoff urged" '"thai _ the. battle front be opened at Minsk; and. the Germans allowed, to. invade Russia, because .the Kaiser was,making '• war against the deniocrats,'"not against" Tsardom. Nicholas indignantly declared: "I will never betray Russia."-:-:; United Service, i. .:-•:-