RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 December 1916, Page 5

RUSSIA.

NO TURNING BACK.

HUGE TASK RECOGNISED. Petrograd, Dee. 3. The Duma has re-opened. The Premier stated that Russia would never lay down her arms till complete victory was attained, whatever difficulties or temporary checks were encountered. The power of the enemy was shaken, but immense efforts were required to break his resistance. He regretted that there were food and transport difficulties in many localities. The Government would take measures firmly to establish order behind the armies. He recognised the necessity of vast railway constiuction, the increase of the production of metals and fuel, the erection of munition factories and the development of technical education. A Bill would be introduced for compulsory elementary education. M. Trepoff, in the Duma, announced that the English, French, and Russian agreement, concluded in Ifllf), to which Italy had.adhered, definitely established the right of Russia to the Straits and Constantinople. He stated tlwt the declaration was made in accord with the Allies, who wejx absolutely united thereon. After obtaining sovereign possession and a free passage to the Mediterranean, Russia would grant freedom of navigation to Roumania.

He emphasised that, besides reconquering the territories occupied by the enemy, they must wrest Russian and Austrian Poland from their enemies and reconstitute a free Poland, inseparable from a united Russia.