RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1917, Page 5

RUSSIA.

BRITAIN'S REPLY.

; ENFORCEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS. LIBERATION OF OPPRESSED NATIONS. Received June 12, 5 5 p.m. London, June 11. The British reply to Russia concurs in the "no annexation" sentiments, but aims at the enforcement of international agreements and the liberation of the oppressed nations. Received June 12, 0.55 p.m. London, June 11. His Majesty's Governments reply to the Russian Note regarding the Allied war aims states that Britain heartily concurs ivith the sentiments of the proclamation to the Russian people, which declared that free Russia does not purpose to dominate other peoples or deprive them of their national patrimony, or forcibly occupy foreign territory. The reply proceeds: Britain did not enter the war as a war of conquest. She is not continuing it with any such object. Her purpose at the outset was to defend the existence and enforce respect for international engagements. Another object ha.; now been added —the liberation of the populations oppressed by the tyranny of the Central Powers. The Government heartily rejoices at free Russia's intention of liberating Poland —not only the Poland which the old Russian autocracy ruled, but equally that within the dominion of the Germanic empire. The British democracy wish Russia God-speed in this enterprise. Beyond everything she must seek a settlement which will secure th<> happiness and contentment of the peoples, and take away all legitimate causes for future war. The British Government heartily endorses the Russian -.acceptance and approval of the principles laid down in President Wilson's historic message to Congress. These are the aims wherefore the 'British peoples are fighting; these are the principles whereby their war policy is and will be guided. The British Government believe, broadly speaking, that the agreements between the Allies are conformable to these standards; but, if Russia desires, they, with their allies, are quite ready to examine and, if necessary, revjfie these agreements. EX-C2*. "SJD HIS FAMILY. MUST BE SENT TO KRONSTADT. Times Service. Received June 12, 8.45 p.m. Petrograd, June 11. The sailors on the dreadnought Gan(root and the, cruiser Diana have sent in an ultimatum to the effect that unless ex-Czar Nicholas and his family are sent to Kronstadt they will sail for Petrograd. UTOPIAN FALLACY. BRITISH AMBASSADOR'S WARNING. Petrograd, June 11. A great public meeting to discuss the war was presided over by M. Rodziiuiko and attended by Sir George, Buchanan', , British Ambassador, the French Minister, M. Thomas, and the Belgian and Italian ■ representatives. Sir George Buchanan made an eloquent appeal for warlike action. He said that if the Germans had not transferred a large number of troops westward it might have gone hard with free Russia. "'We look to you now to help relieve the constant pressure on our front by taking the offensive so as to bring the iwar to a speedy end." 'He uttered a warning against the Utopian fallacy that peace was attainable by fraternising, which the Germans encouraged in order to demoralise the Russians. Nothing in the British policy wag incongruous with the policy of "no annexations and no indemnities." DISCIPLINE IMPROVING. London, June 11. The .Petrograd correspondent of the ] Morning Post states that there are . signs of increasing discipline in Russian '. soldiery. Distinguished regiments are drastically weeding out undesirable eleinents; (he Cossacks head the movement. Several thousand Cossacks, fully armed, r paraded Petrograd in perfect martial array. The significance of the demonstration was thoroughly understood to B include the early restoration of order. e Advices from Vladivostock state that n a commission of American railway experts has arrived to offer its services to e Russia. It consists of leading experts „ in railway organisation, traffic control, r and engineering. 8 . 'POLES HOSTILE TO~GERMNAY. . Washington, June 11. g According to advices received from e Paderewski, the noted pianist, the Poles refuse to support the German, cause, and r recruiting, for the Huns in Poland has failed. There is growing hostility to the German authorities at Warsaw. . a ———_