INTERNAL RUSSIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1917, Page 1

INTERNAL RUSSIA.

What is Wanted. (Auntniifir; &N.Z. C,.ble As.-oeia.lin and Reuter.) LONDON, May 18. Tie “Daily Express’s” Petrograd correspondent states that it appears that only some dramatic stroke,-stam> ed with the vigorous personality- of on a man can save Russia from the discat • of ineptitude and-disintegration, wiuvm is overtaking her, and which is thread - ewilnig at any moment to make the ltu? • sian Einpiro a mere episode in the as - nals of the past. Russia is at deain .-> door. The agitation for the public?- • tion of Russia’s secret treaties is peculiarly significant in view of th • Ministerial crisis. ' „ M. Plekanoff, in a, speech in tt-. Duma said: “If we publish the secret treaties it will destroy our obligation» to our Allies and envoko their enemity. We may jUien find Ourselves allied against our present Allies. A rrce'amsfm PETROGRAD, May 19. * The re-constructed Provisional Governmenjt has issued a proclamation that it will .be guided by a spirit of liberty,. equality, and fraternity. It rejects the idea of a separate peace, . but aims at a general peace withoxv annexations or indemnities, and based on the rights of nations to decide the>" own affairs. It is convinced that the defeat of Russia and her Allies would not only be a calamity but would postpone a world-wide peace. It firmiy. S; believes that* the Russian 'Army wm . (not suffer the Germans to destroy then- - western allies and then throw themselves on Russia.

/ Other Views. PARIS, May 18 The “Matin” quotes 'from the “Russko iSlovo” a revelation maue uj Count Witite to a journalist at the be- ; —■ ginning of the war showing that the Czar made a secret offensive and defensive treaty with the Kaiser when Prance was embroiled in the Moroccan affair. Count Witte declares thjit lie secured an abrogation of the treaty because it was not signed by the Foreign Ministers of , the respective countries. , ' LONDON, May 19. The “Daily Chronicle’s” Petrograd correspondent states that General Alexieff in an interview said that j\jl. Kerenski’s appointment as War. Minister is intensely satisfactory to all ranks. Already there are signs of an improvement in the' Army. If. me Government" us invested with undisputed authority s»d is not hindered by irresponsible outsiders the Army will soon be restored to its former strength and organisation. i * An Army Order. PETROGRAD, May 19. The Minister of War has issued an order to t-lie armies that the country is endangered and everyone must ae Ins share in defending it No request for resignation by a high command who desire to escape tire responsibility of this grave time will be entertained. Deserters from the Army and Navy are „ enjoined to rejoin by May 28th unddr' a threat of severe punishment. The"' generals commanding the armies have returned to the front after conferring with the Government. The Timet. Optimistic. ' (Australia & N.Z. Cable Assocvition) ' —-•• / / LONDON, May 18. The “Times” viewy the Russian situation optimistically, and urges the Empire to show patient confidence. It is the Russian peoples’ determination to he faithful to the Allied cause and to work out and win salvation in their own way. Present auguries favour this being accomplished. The American loan is a striking proof of the American belief that Russia will weather the storm. x. i ■ _______ On hussia’s Front, LONDON, May 19. The. “Nord Sud” Agency reports that documents found on prisoners show that the enemy is moving forces , from Mitava to reinforce the ociiei' fronts. There are also indications that the enemy’s supplies of explosives are limited, as they are using them spar-

iiigly. ' , \ At Salonika. LONDON,- May 19th. British Salonika official.—Wo drove back the enemy’s lieayy counter-at-tack on our new portions on the Stunna.. ' 'l’lie naval air service successfully bombed an aerodrome camp at’Drama.