BRITAIN’S REPLY.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1917, Page 3

BRITAIN’S REPLY.

, TO THE RUSSIAN NOTE

(Reuter’• Telegrams.)

LONDON, June 11

His Majesty’s Government, in reply to the Russian Note regarding the Allies war aims, states that it heaitilj concurs with the sentiment in the proclamation to the Russian people, which declared that Free Russia does not purpose to dominate other peoples or to deprive them of their national patrimony or to forcibly occupy foreign terre'ply proceeds: ‘‘Britain did not enter the war for conquest and is not continuing it I‘or any such object. Her purpose at the outset was to defend her existence and to enforce respect for her international engagements. Another object lias now been added—tho liberation of the populations oppressed by Tallied 'tyranny. The Government, heartily rejoices at Free Russia’s intention of liberating Poland which the old Russian Autocracy ruled but equally that w’itbin the dominion of tho Germanic Empires. British democracy | wishes Russia God-speed in this enterprise. Beyond everything she must seek a settlement which will secure tho happiness and contentment of her peoples, and take away all legitimate -causes of future war.

‘‘Tho [British Government heartily endorses the Russian acceptance and approval of tho principles laid down m President Wilson’s historic message-to Congress. These are tho aims foi which the British peoples are fighting, and they are the principles hv which their war policy is nnd will be guided. “The British ’ Government believes, broadly speaking, that the agreement between the' Allies is conformable jvrth these standards, hut if tho Russian Government desires, they with tho Allies are quite ready to examine, and if necessary, to revise those agreements.”