RUSSIA AND THE DARDANELLES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3052, 13 April 1917, Page 7

RUSSIA AND THE DARDANELLES

STATEMENT BY M. MILIUKOFF CONSTANTINOPLE A NEEDFUL OUTLET Christiania, April 11. M. Miljukoff (Minister for Foreign A nan's), m an interview published iu the ' Aftcnposfc," declared that ltussia's with Scandinavia would be most cordial. There was no fear that Russia would attempt to taKe the Swedish and Norwegian harbours*. Russia's way. to the sea was through the Dardanelles passage. Constantinople was a necessary condition of Russia's life.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE EXTREMISTS OF THE REVOLUTION (Ree. April 12, 9.45 p.m.) London, April 11. Reut-cr's correspondent,. reviewing 'the position in Russia, says: "The extremists are mainly represented by the Council of Workmen and Soldiers. What is not known is the backing they hare in the army, if any. Apparently they are a nondescript lot of malcontents. Others are of the Jacobin type, whose heads have been turned by the social upheaval. German secret efforts to influence these are not likely to succeed, in view of the steadfastness of the Government, which comprises the best elements in Russia." —Renter. SOCIALIST OPPOSITION. London, April 11. The "Daily Chronicle's" I'etrograd correspondent, explaining the Government attitude on annexation, especially Constantinople, states that the question came to the forefront as the result of M. Miliukoff's statement of his personal view that Austria should be disintegrated, and Russia, should annex Constantinople. The Socialists were thrown into a ferment, and the position' became so serious that the Government was compelled to disclaim annexation.

At a congress of the Cadet Party, the ablest' and best-organised as:uciation in-Russia, a.resolution was passed in support of the Government's statement. The veteran leader, M. Rodicheff, emphasised the Russians' obligation to the Allies, and said: "Those sneering at the annexation of Constantinople should remember that the Allies had made tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our interests in Constantinople. Thousands of British and French soldiers were buried for Russia's sake in Gallipoli, and we do not want the Allies to say that they gave their sens and brothers at Gallipoli merely to satisfy a .Russian whim."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable 'Assn. ,