THE ANGLO-RUSSIAN DIFFICULTY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1319, 26 March 1885, Page 3

THE ANGLO-RUSSIAN DIFFICULTY.

1 Auckland, Yesterday, At an interview with a reporter on Tuesday, His Excellency the Sir William 'Jervois, said the most effective way in tohich the colonies could assist Groat Britain if she were at war, would be by putting all their porta in an efficient state of defence. If these ports were properly defended they would be of great assistance to the Imperial Navy, but the British Government would hesitate to send vessels to any port which was not adequately defended, and where it might be overpowered by superior force. It would appear from the cablegrams that there really is considerable danger of war with Russia. From the attitude taken up by the Powers, Russia seems to have played fast and loose with us in reference to the boundary question ; Russian troops have advanced to certain points and say —“ Here we are, and we are going to stop" her# f you can take pourse you like.” I remember once having a conversation with a German officer of rank, who, like most ot Jus class, was a thoughtful and capable man, and he expressed the opinion, without hesitation, that sooner or later England and Russia would come into conflict in India ; it was only a cpes? tion of time. The question is now whether that time has come. It seems to be one of Russia’s objects to gain access to the ocean at the Black |3ea and Baltic; she is hemmed in, and no doubt the great object with her is to reach the ocean at the Persian Gulf, You might state (said His Excellency) I am afraid I shall not be able to visit Auckland and reside here for ■otne time as I proposed doing. I regret it, but in the present position of affairs it will be necessary for me to remain at head-quarters. Of course if all this flangef of war blows over I may be able to come to Auckland for a short time.