LLOYD GEORGE ON SITUATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1917, Page 2

LLOYD GEORGE ON SITUATION.

Landmark in History London, March 19 In reply to Mr Asquith, Hon Lloyd George said the incidence of the Russian revolution would prove one of the landmarks in the'history of the world. It occurred with suoh dramatic suddenness that it could not .be followed in all its details. There had been deep-rooted discontent, due to the inefficiency of the Government’s couduot of tbe war. The soldiers, when asked 'to take action against the rioters, due £o the shortage of food, refused to obey orders (cheers) and gave their support to the committee whereof the Prosideat of the Duma was leader, which Committee was suddenly formed to preserve order.

(Received March 20, at 9.10 a.m.) London, March 19

Hon Lloyd George continued—As long as they enjoyed this within the Imperial pale, they were content, but they will not accept a unity which thwarts the characteristic, natural development of any unification. The threatening of the autonomous national life of the Motherland or Dominions, would defeat itself. Political autonomy must oarry with it fiscal autonomy. He suggests that if the Foreign Secretary became a membß? of the Imperial Council, this would give the Empire representatives greater authority over the Foreign Secretary than even the Commons exercises. If the representatives expressed dissatisfaction at his policy, it would be as effective as any constitutional power under a more formal arrangement.

Hon W. F. Massey write3 —We have wasted the national strength for over half a century, by allowing hundreds of thousands of emigrants to go to couutties outside the Empire. We ehauld now encourage our own ptople to occupy the Empire’s unoccupied lands. Iu matters of trade, also, we seemingly considered every country’s interests but our own. Hon Lloyd George continued—Subsequently a strong Provisional Government waa formed.

After the Czar had abdicated, the Archduke Michael placed his services at the disposal of the Government, if called to the Throne by the voice of the people, expressed in a constituent Assembly. There had been very little blood shed. The new Government would receive the Bupport of the Army and Navy.

Present information did not enable him to say all danger was past, but the new Government was formed for the express purpose of carrying on the war with increased vigor. Hon Lloyd George said on Thursday they would move a motion of congratulation of the Duma. The British Government hoped the revolution would result in the closer uaity and more effective co-operation of Russia and its Allies. He had every confidence in the Russian people, with liberty compatible with order, even in these revolutionary times.