RUSSIA'S CRISIS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 120, 21 May 1917, Page 5

RUSSIA'S CRISIS.

BELtEVHD TO BE PAST. NO QUESTION OF LOYALTY. (Received 11.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, May 20. The New York "Sun's" Petrograd correspondent cables that the crisis is past, and that 'there is now no question of Russia's loyalty to her Allies.— (A. and X.Z. Cable") COALITION RESTORES CONFIDENCE. VETROORAD, May 20. The Coalition Cabinet has been constituted. It includes six Socialist.. It is understood that Generals lirussilolf an.l (Ittrkn have withdrawn their resignations. The generals have now returned to the front.—(A. and N.Z.) The reconstituted I'rm isionnl Covern'ment has issued a proclamation stating that it will be guided by the spirit of liberty, equality, nii.l fraternity. It rejects 'the idea Of a separate peace, but says it aitiw at a general peace without annexations and indemnities, 'iiasi-d on (he right of nations to decide their own alTairs. It say- it in convinced that the defeat of Russia ami her allies would not only In- n calamity, but would postpone world-wide peine. The Government lirmly believes that the Russian army will not siiHei' the (1.-rinaiis to destroy the Western allies, and then throw themselves on Russia.

The Minister of War I.M. Kerenskii has issued an order to the armies stating that the country is endangered, and everyone nillrtt do his share in defending it. Nil re.pu-sU to Im- allowed to resign by officers of the high command who desir,- to iwcnpe responsibility at thi.-, grave time will iie entertained. Deserters from the army and navy are enjoined to rejoin by May 2S under threat of severe punishment.—(Renter.)

KERENSKX'S STRONG HAND. LONDON, May 20. Tn an interview given to the London "Daily Chronicle" General AlexielT, Russian Commander-in-Chief, stated that the appointment of M. Kerenshi as Minister of War was intensely satisfactory to all ranks. There were already signs of an improvement in the army. If the Government were invested with undisputed authority, nn.l were not hindered by irresponsible outsiders, the army would soon be restored to its former strength and organisation.— IA. and N.Z.)

CZAR'S SECRET TREATY. PARIS. May 20. The I'aris newspaper "he Matin" quotes from the Moscow newspaper "Russky Slowo" a revelation made by the late Count Witte to a journalist at the beginning of the war. showing that the Czar made a secret offensive and defensive treaty with the Kaiser when France was embroiled over the Moroccan affair. Count Witte declared that he secured the abrogation of the treaty bemuse it was not signed by the Foreign Ministers of the respective countries.

FAVOURABLE AUGURIES. LONDON, May 20. The London "Times" views the Russian situation optimistically. It urges the Empire to show patient confidence in the determination of the Russian people to lie faithful to the Allied cause and to work out their own salvation in their own way. The present auguries are in favour of this being accomplished. The American loan is a striking proof of American belief that Russia will weather the storm. THE TIME RIFE FOR RUSSIA. PKTROGRAD, May 20. A news agency states that documents found on prisoners show that the Germans are moving forces from Mitau to reinforce other fronts. Indications arc that the enemy's supplies of explosives arc limited, and they are using them sparingly.