Russia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 26, 27 December 1916, Page 2

Russia

I RUSSIAN DETERMINATION. THE ENTENTE ALLIANCE WILL BE STRENGTHENED. Pi-ess Association—Copyngnt. Router's Telegrams (Received 11.30 a.m.) Petrograd, December 26. M. Pontrowski, the new Foreign Minister, informed press representatives that after the war tlje military alliance between Russia. France, and Britain would be consolidated ly a close economic union. The war would lie continued till decisive victory was secured. President Wilson's Note could not alter the situation. The Allies would reply fully, but would refuse Wilsons proposal. Ho reiterated that they would continue the war until there was restoration of tho ravaged territory, until the existence of small nations was secured and a new world-conflagration rendered impossible. The Minister indicated further military measures to finally end the Greek vacillations. REPRISAL POLICY AFFECTS THE HUNS. Press Association—Copyright, Austral liao and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 1.40 p.m.) Petrograd, December 20.

The Russian ultimatum threatening flogging as a disciplinary measure for German prisoners unless Germany abolished the torture called "suspension" practised on Russian prisoners has had the desired effect. Germany replied that she was substituting imprisonment for barbarous punishment. Germany has also abolished ethe severe measures applied to Russian officers owing to Russia, as a reprisal, reducing German officer prisoners to the rank of privates. PEACE NEWS IN TRENCHES. GREAT HUN JUBILATION. RUSSIANS' REMARKABLE REPLY. (Received 1.40 p.m.) Petrograd, December 26. The German commanders on the Eastern front informed the troops of the Central Empire's offer of peace, aud there was great jubilation, the Austro-German troops solemnly and pompously singing hymns in celebration of what they described as the beginning of the peace negotiations. The German commanders led the men to believ that the Allies would accepts the peace offer joyfully. The Russians midst the Teutonic rejoicings opened heavy fire, which completely nonplussed the enemy who ceased their hymns aud seized their rifles. The enemy frequently hoisted placards on the breastworks of the trenches depicting the Russians and Germans shaking hands. The Russian sharpshooters promptly riddled the hoards with bullets.