RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1917, Page 5

RUSSIA.

CONSTANTINOPLE NOT ■ WANTED. -

PEACE TE«MB.'

Petrograd, April 10.

11. Kerensky hns ollicially declared that M. l.itink'of)"s statement" that Russia desired Constantinople does not represMil the Provisional Government's point of view. M. Kerensky, wlio is vice-president of the Council of .Soldier-;, Workers, ana Deputies, further declares that the Laborites, while realising that a Russian defeat will mean »hp defeat of Russian freedom, are willing only to conduet a war of defence, and renounce absolutely any desire for Constantinople and, by a majority, have asked the Government to express readiness to eonelude peace when all the Powers agree to relinquish ideas of annexation and indemnity. , M. Kerensky adds "If the German Socialists think \vc will make a separate peace they are bitterly mistaken."

REPORT DENIED.

Petrograd, April 10. The report that the Provisional Government has announced the relinquishment of Russia's claim te- Constantinople as part of the peace price is unofficial and unconfirmed.

ON PERSIAN FRONTIER,

TURKS DISLODGED

London, April 10. A wireless Russian official message says: In the direction of Pengjevin we dislodged the Turks from positiosn in the region of Nirban, on the southwestward bank, and continue the offensive. We occupied Kyzrlpabax, southtvestward of Khanikin.

A DIFFERENT STORY.

CRISIS ASSUMING ACUTE FORM.

LABOR AGITATING FOR PEACE.

Times Service. Roceived April 12, 1 a.m,

P'etrograd, April 11. The internal crisis is assuming an acute form

The committee of the Labor Deputies officially not ; (ie» the formation of a Committee on Foreign Relations to open direct peace negotiations with the enemy. For this purpose a deputation is going to Stockholm. The committee demands that their representatives be given a voice in directing operations nt the front. A committee of soldier's and deputies publishes what the terms of the fundamental programme will be, declaring that while"not repudiating active defence, they demand immediate and united peace negotiations among all the belligerents, and a propaganda among the masses, with * view to terminating the war, which benefits only the- hourgeoiserie. *

THE STOKHOD REVERSE,

THE FBREACH REPAIRED.

CAUSED BY POLITICAL AGITATORS,

Received April 12,1 a.m. Petrngrad, April 11. . It is semi-offlcially announced that information has been received by the War Office that-developments at Stokod justify the hope that Germany's advance would be checked and the breach in the 'Russian front line repaired. Many troops supposed to have been lost have rejoined the colors. The reverso is attributed to the' agitators, first attacks not being repulsed because the troops were engaged In electing committees.

IN GERMAN PAY,

JOURNALISTS ARRESTED.

Received April 11, 5.5 p.m. Petrogrsul, April 10. The Government arrested the proprietor and editor of the Socialist newspaper Pravada, on discovering that they were in German pay. There is boundless patriotism throughout Russia. All the municipal councils will shortly bo re-elected on "universal, equal, secret, and direet suffrage. > The relations between the moderate and extreme elements in the jgyolujioa are losing their acuteness and becoming cordial, and all praties wil lcontinue to ■support the Government.

■ * ARMY AND GOVERNMENT.

PERFECT AMITY,

POSITION SUMMED UP.

Received April 11, 8.23 p.m. London, April )0. The editor of the Bourse Gazette, in a special message to the London newspapers, sums up the existing condition of affairs in Russia as follows:—The union ot the Government and the army includes high command? as well as officers and men, and is strengthening daily. The army is prepared to support the Government against any danger from whatever source. The idea of a constitutional monarchy is discredited among the masses of tho .people. All classes desire a democratic republic and vast social reforms, especially agrarian. Perfect order reigns throughout tho country. Tho Gonernment has decided to requisition food supplies, introducing State monopoly of corn. The success is , assured of the forthcoming "Liberty Loan." The orthodox and Catholic >Blerjy tupgort th».lqan.