Russia is Ready

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 219, 16 March 1914, Page 5

Russia is Ready

THE RUSSO-GEIIMAX RELATIONS. THE ARMY EFFICIENT. FRANCE TILTS AT GERMANY. By Cable—Press As9ociation~-Copyright St. Petersburg, March 13, T!ic Bourse Gazette lias published sensational articles, claiming to express the views of the highest circles, stating Unit there is the iirmest confidence in Russia's ability to withstand any attack. The paper adds that Riiiaian defence strategy is no longer paßarve, and concludes, "Russia desires but she is readv."

The newspapers unanimously refuse to be intimidated by the Austro-German press campaign. They recall the fact that Germany set the example by increasing her military strength. M. SazaiiofT states that there is no ground for the present excitement. The relations between Russia and Austria are excellent, though they were strained in 1013. The semi-official Bourse Gazette says that Russia, in the event of war, will no longer act on the defensive. Henceforward she will assume the offensive. Her fortifications have been completed and the standard of her officers raised. The artillery in many respects excels that of France or Germany. Other branches, including the aviators, ara kighly efficient. Berlin, March 13. The semi-official journal Nordsdeuscher Allemange Zcitung ridicules the Russian Bourse Gazette's threats, and does not believe such discussions will disturb the Russo-German friendship. The newspaper Germahia alleges that the Russian preparations are directed against Austria.' ; ~ Paris, Mf,/ch 13. The Russian Bourse .'.Gazette's firm reply is enthusiastically welcomed. It is felt that the;Gcrinan menace has lost its terrors;- and that France's position is much securer than a' few year ago. The Temps says Germany must get rid' of the idea that the 'battling of a sword will-cause any alarm in France or Russia. '' Extraordinary financial —measures. \ .. ~ increasing russian effectiveNESS. St. Petersburg, March 14. The Russian newspapers state that large extraordinary military and naval credits are being, discussed at a secret sitting of the budget committee of the Duma.

An influential journal says it is proposed to increase Russian military effectiveness, which will be carried on despite the press -campaign against Russia in Germany and Austria.

RE-OPENING CHRONIC TENSION. Received 14, 5.30 p.m. , Paris;-March 14. The pressjppjnts t)ut that' Russia and France have" equal rights with Germany to protect:.their armaments. The Temp 9 observes that if the legitimacy of the measures for which Germany has set an- example be challenge! then an era of thrbnic tension will be re-opened and everyone will suffer.