RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 June 1917, Page 5

RUSSIA.

MAY PLAY EFFECTIVE PART.

TUE EETRQGRAD DELEGATES. j London, June 11. I In the House of Commons, on the question of adjournment, replying to criticism on tile Government's action in issuing passports to Messrs Mac Donald and Jowett. Mr. Bonar Law denied that the issue of passports was contrary to the wishes of France and America. France would adopt a similar course when the danger of meeting enemy delegates had been removed. The opponents of the Government's action forgot the position in Russia, upon which the Allies' success in the war largely depended. Tho enemy had succeeded in spreading in Russia the view that Russia was only continuing the war for England's benefit. .It was difficult to guide tho Russian revolution, and none could foresee tho results, but the possibility existed that Russia would play a more effective part than ever before. The new Russian movement was trying to bear up against the conflicting phases of revolutionary feeling, clearly realising that it must fight for its new found freedom. Our duty was to ease their path.

The Russian Government invited minority Socialist as well as those of the majority. Sir George Buchanan reported that much harm would result s if their passports were refused. Mr. Henderson, after his arrival at Petrogrftd, gave similar advice. Mr. Havclock Wilson states that the seamen at British ports refuse to be satisfied with a written undertaking, and demand a special conference similar to that in Leeds, at which a public apology shall bo tendered to the seamen. Meanwhile the executive continues to move, believing neutral countries will join'the Allies in demanding German reparation for the submarine outrages. iMr. Wilson says that the seamen at Rotterdam had a great meeting and upheld the British attitude for a special conference of seamen. Norway, Sweden and Denmark will discuss the subject next week and may prevent German delegates travelling. The British Seamen's Union is taking action to secure a country-wide expression of trade union opinion on Mr. MacDonald's mission. Mrs. Pankhurst and Miss Annie Kennedy have sailed for Petrograd. THE WOMEN VOTERS, HOSTILITY TO ANARCHY. Received June 13, 6.45 p.m. Petrograd, Juno 12. A feature of the municipal elections 5s tho eager participation of the women voters, who are displaying a determined hostility to anarchy, and opposing tho ideas prppagated by the Heninists. TROUBLE AT REVEL. Petrograd, June 12. Revel has followed tho example of Kronstadt and ejected the Government Commissioner. Tho Soldiers' Committee lias assumed the administration. | A 'NEW MUNICIPAL ERA. Petrograd, June 12. The municipal elections are in progress. They are the first free elections in Russian history by universal, direct, secret vote. COMMERCE WITH AUSTRALIA. Petrograd, Juno 12. Tho Minister of Commerce is sending a former member of the Duma, M. Kadygnoboff, to Australia to investigate the possibilities of direct commercial relations with Russia.