SIR WILLIAM JERVOIS ON THE RUSSIAN QUESTION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 1949, 26 March 1885, Page 2

SIR WILLIAM JERVOIS ON THE RUSSIAN QUESTION.

In an interview with a reporter a Auckland, Sir William Jervois is stated to have said:—The most effective way in which .the colonies, could assist Great Britain if she were at war would be by putting all their ports in an efficient state of defence. If these ports were properly defended they would be of great assistance to the Imperial n'avy, but the British Government would hesitate to send a vessel to any port ■ which was not adequately defended, and where it might be overpowered by superior force, It would appear rrom cablegrams that there really is considerable danger ofwar with Russia, owing to the attitude taken up by that power, Russia seems to have played fast and loose with us in reference to the Afghan boundary question... Russian troops have advanced to certain points, and say "Here we are, and we aro going to stop here. You can take what course you like." I remember once having a conversation with a German officer of rank, wh/"' like most of his class, was a thoughtf and capable man, and he opinion without hesitation that sooflP'or v later England and Russia would como into conflict in India—it was only a question of time. The question now is: Whether that time has come ? It seems to be one of Russia's objects to gain access to the ocean. At the Black Sea and the Baltic she is hemmed in, and it is no doubt a great object with her to reach the Persian Gulf. You might state, saidhia Excellency, I am afraid I shall not be able to visit Auckland and reside here for some time, as I proposed doing. I regret it, but in the present position of affairs it will-bo necessary for me to remain at head-quarters. Of course, if all this danger of war blows over, I may bo able-, to come .to Auckland for a short time. '