Russia and the Dardanelles.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, 10 November 1891, Page 2

Russia and the Dardanelles.

By English papers of the 13th September, the actions of Russia in connection with the Dardanelles is commented on. There is very little doubt but that which is represented could have been easily secured had not the fear of other Powers deterred Russia. However it is now stated that Russia has obtained what she wanted, by a remission of Turkey's war indemnity. What might have been is however very interesting Considerable sensation has been caused in Berlin. th<» Times correspondent says, by the publication in a semi-official paper of a letter from Constantinople announcing, " from a trustworthy source/ Russia's de-^ termination to seize Constantinople by a coup de main, for which purpose the recent Dardanelles incident was only a preliminary performance, or, as the writer puts it, a precejakt for future use. The latter assmm that Russia is rapidly preparing 'for this great coup, and refers to a projected Cossack descent, and a " rush," on Constantinople. "As regards the landing of troops we are informed," the journal referred to {the Ifambnrffer Correspondent) says, " from a good source, that it is the intention of the Russians to land on both the European and Asiatic shores of the Bosphorus, the principal force being disposed of on the European side. The fortifications of the Upper Boa«

phorus would then be suddenly attacked from the rear and occupied. At the same time this part of the BoaphGrus would be at once defended by torpedoes against the advance of Turkish or foreign vessels. Besides which a Russian torpedo flotilla under cover of night could easily enter the Golden Horn and create fearful confusion among the Turkish vessels lying there at anchor. The landing of troops would only be rendered difficult by a north-east wind, which only prevails in the spring.

There is absolutely nothing new, the Berlin telegram goes on to say, in the fact that Russia is, and always has been, fully determined since the Berlin Congress to have the outlet of the Dardanelles for the passage of her ships, not only of her nondescript vol.mteer crnisers. but also of ths warships of her newlyvising Black Sea fleet. She may get Turkey to pass the semi-mercantile vessels of the volunteer navy, as she has already done over and over again and the other Powers naturally acquiesce ; but in regard to the ironclad ships of battle and other war craft being allowed to pass out of the Black Sea, that is another question, which will not be decided so complaisantly by Turkey alone, unless England chooses to allow Russia to declare her right of free passage through the Bosphorus first and then calls a conference to register a fait accompli, as in the case of the abrogation of the Black Sea clause of the Treaty of Paris. But the fact of Russia's determination sooner or later to get command over the Straits so as to do away with the humiliating check by which an Asiatic Power, against which she has so often been victorious, keeps her ileet shut up in an inland sea, is not to be disputed by those who know and understand the aims of Russian policy. It is only a matter of time and opportunity. The only question which the recent Dardanelles incident has not altered in the least is whether Russia- is to be allowed to attain this object or not, and if not, how she will endeavour to attain it in defiance of all opposition.