The Daily News. SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1917. RUSSIAN NATIONAL ASPIRATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1917. RUSSIAN NATIONAL ASPIRATIONS.

The question of national aspirations, is one that always demands special attention, but in the case of the new regime in Russia it takes on a world-wide importance inasmuch as it is seriously affecting the Allies' position in the war. The Committee of Workers and Soldiers profes3 to base their attitude towards the:war on the realisation of national aspirations, and it may be regarded as their standard. To the Allies this new formula must largely be an enigma, but of the gravity connected with its promulgation there can be no question. Can the Russian aspirations help to win the war sod so afford the nation an opportunity for realising their hopes, or will the ill-Btarred doctrine nrreck both Russia and her Allies? It all depends on what the Committee really means, and on whether they will commit national aui>l.'..'' £crr;cr than be party to those territorial and financial adjustments to which the other Allies are pledged. These delegate? recognise thai a separate peace is not to be thought of, but they stand out for a "general peace" along the lines of the realisation of national aspirations. If they mean that each of the belligerent nations is to be allowed to realise ita aspirations then, so far as the ■Allies are concerned they will gladly subscribe to the doctrine. If, however, they propose that' such realisation is limited to the Russian nation, the demand is not only absurd bub contrary to the principles of freedom which the revolution was intended to' secure. Taken in connection with the other plank of the delegates—peace without annexation or indemnities—it wouldseein that they are stipulating for placing all the belligerents in the same position as they were before the war, less the losses that have occurred. To that doctrine neither 'Britain, ■' France, Belgium, Italy, nor the Dominions would subscribe. Austria, Germany and Turkey might and probably would gladly embrace such a magnanimous odor, for it would give them breathing time to recuperate and prepare for a still greater eO'ort in due time. Even supporting that the realisation of national aspirations was construed as handing over Transylvania to Roumania, Bosnia and Herzegovina to Serbia, the Trentino provinces to Italy, Alsace and Lorraine to France, what is to become of ruined Belgium? Does it mean that Germany is to have her overseas possessions restored? Perish the thought! Neither South Africa nor the Dominions 'would listen to such a monstrous suggestion, We have only to note the latest German demands appearing' in the cables, all of which point to aggrandisement. She must, it is claimed, have bases all over the world, and she must have colonies. Let the Russian workers' and soldiers' delegates mark well the latest demand for .the annexation of Belgium,. Poland, the French coal districts and "a large extent of Sussian lands for colonisation purposes." Will the delegates accept these as national aspirations to be realised? ■For von Hindenburg hopes that these wishes will be fulfilled. Again, let the delegates read, mark and ponder over the disclosure made by Mr. Penfold as to the German scheme for a dominion extending from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, and embracing Bulgaria, Turkey, the Dardanelles, Baltic, and the Aegean, with Austria subservient. These also are national aspirations. What is.

to bccomo of Poland, Egypt, Mesopotam-. ia, Persia and lust, but by no mean's least, India and the British Dominions? Whatever the Russian pacifists may be willing to give up, they may rest assured that the Central Powers ■ »vill never swerve a hair's breadth from their policy of pillage, plunder and 'barbaric bloodshed until they are utterly crushed. All this rabid nonsense about national aspirations is futile.| The 'Allies lire fighting for and mean to obtain a world's peace, and when the time comes for settling term.'; all questions of annexations and indemnities will be given duo consideration. The immediate business ic the. prosecution of the war with;the utmost vigor and determination, and it i? therefore satisfactory to find General Aloxieff exhorting the Russian officers to go back to the front, restore discipline and inspire the men to do their utmost to achieve victory, and they have gone oordingly. To-day Russia's worst i j "my is a section of her own people v,-ho by their sublime folly seem bent on driving the ship of State on the rocks. Let them, unless they desire Russia to j he a traitor to the alliei, heed well the exhortation- of M. Kerensky: "Comrade?, time does not wait. I call you to or-., ganisation and discipline. I asu you to support us (the new Government), your ■representatives, who are,prepared to die for the people, and have given the people their whole life."