RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1917, Page 5

RUSSIA.

A SERIOUS SITUATION. ■ JOINT CONFERENCE HELD. CANDID REMARKS BY M, GUTOItKOFF. Received May 7, 5.5 p.m. London, May C. The Daily Chronicle's Petrograd correspondent, wiring on May Oi, says that a combination of German spies and underbuild agents of the old regime of Leninite pacifists have been carrying on for the past few weeks, n dangerous agitation in (lie barracks and workshops. The movement met with some success in the factories, but on Friday practically all the soldiers declared: themselves proGovernment. A joint conference of the Provisional Government, the Workers' and Soldiers' Committee, and the temporary Duma Committee met on Thursday and sit all night. 'lt was evident from tho outset that iboth sides were anxious to come to an/agreement. Members of the Government presented a detailed account of the situation, not attempting to conceal its seriousness. < Prince Lvoff expressed liis readiness to resign in favor of any who fell themselves stronger. M. Gutchkoff eajididly disclosed the conditions aC the front, and stated that affairs there were serious at present, as the condition of the army gives ground! for great anxiety, and immediate measures are necessary to restore discipline' and raise the Bpirits of the men. He emphasised tho opinion that the position was by no means hopeless, bub a continuance of the present conditions might have fatal results. He said it was popularly thought that peace wouldi 'be achieved simply by the laying down of arms, and he insisted that the enthusiasm and confidence created by such talk caused disorganisation and depression among the soldiers. He concluded by stating that Russia was not striving for any conquests, and that he believed ideas of annexation would not attract anyone at the present time. —: ~j ' > PETROGRAD NOT ENDANGERED. ( EARLY -FIGHTING ON RUSSIAN FRONT PREDICTED. Times Service. Received May 7, 5.5 p.m. Petrograd, May 8, General Alexieff, when visiting the capital, declared that Petrograd was not endangered, as the Germans would presently be sending troops from the Russian front owing to the West front pressure, but he predicted early fighting on the Russian front. He spoke strongly against the propaganda of "'no annexation and no indemnity," saying that the armies would interpret this as advocacy of surrender. RECURRENCE OF RIOTS, RIOTERS WARNED. , Petrograd, May C. The recurrence of riots on Friday resulted in bloodshed. The Council of Workmen and Soldiers has, issued a varning which was placarded throughout the city on Saturday, stating that five were killed and nine wounded on the Nevsky Prospect on Friday night. In order that other killings and wouudings inay be avoided the Council requests soldiers to leave their rifles in barracks when participating in demonstrations. The newspapers point out the danger ■of civil war unless the citizens and soldiers restrain themselves. NO HUMILIATION. , *OR RESTRICTION TO VITAL INTERESTS. Received May 7, 8 p.m. Petrograd, May 7. The Provisional Government has published a further statement explaining the note of the Ist May, whereto the Workmen's and Soldiers' Council objected. The statement points out that Russia must not emerge from this war humiliated* or with restrictions to her vital interests, in order to secure perpetual peace. A PRO-ALLY DEMONSTRATION. Petrograd, May 0. In consequence of a further collision between the Leninists and the soldiers the executive of the Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates has forbidden meetings and demonstrations and asked that no further soldiers be sent to the capital without a written request from delegates. Great pro-Ally demonstrations were held on Friday outside the British, French and Italian Embassies. The British Ambassador, in a speech, outlined Britain's efforts in the war. Her only object was the solemn vindication oi right and justice. He called upon Russians to support the Government, which was the siucere defender of the people's interests. i ASSISTING THE LOAN. Received May 7, 5.5 p.m. Petrograd, May 6. The Council of Workmen's and Soldiers' delegates overwhelmingly decided to assist the Liberty Loan.