SITUATION IN RUSSIA.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15895, 8 May 1917, Page 7

SITUATION IN RUSSIA.

dangerous agitation IN PROGRESS. WAR MINISTER'S ADMISSIONS^ SERIOUS CONDITION OF THE army. (By Cable—Preas Association—Copyright.) (Auetralinn anil X.Z. Cnblo Association.) (Received May 7th, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, May 6. The "Daily Chronicle's" Petrograd correspondent, wiring on May 6th, says: —combination of German spies and underhand agents of the old regime and Leninista pacifists, ho s been carrying on during tho past few weeks a dangerous agitation in tho military barracks and workshops. Tho movement met with some success in the factories, but on Friday practically nil tho soldiers declared themselves supporters of the Government. A joint conference of tho Provisional Government, the Workers and Soldiers' Committee, and tho temporary D-uma Committee met on Thursday and sat all night. It was evident from the outset that both sides were anxious to come to an agreement. Members of tho Government presented a detailed account of tho situation, not attempting to oonceal its seriousness. Prince Lvoff (tho Prime Minister) expressed his readiness to resign in favour of nnv who felt themselves stronger. M. Gutchkoff (Minister of War) candidly disclosed the conditions existing at tho front, and stated thn.t affairs there were serious. Ho stated that tho present condition of the Army gavo ground for great anxiety and immediate measures were necessary to restore discipline and raise the spirits of the army. Ho emphasised the opinion that the position was by no means hopeless, but a continuance of the present conditions might have fatal results. M. Gutchkoff said it was popularly thought that peace could bo achieved simply by laying down arms. Ho insisted that such talk caused disorganisation and depression among the soldiers. iM. Gutchkoff concludcd: —"We arc not striving for any oonqucsts. I believe that ideas of annexation do not attract anyone at tho present time." ANOTHER GOVERNMENT STATEMENT. RUSSIA MUST NOT BE HUMILIATED. (Received May 7th, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, M*y 6. The Provisional Government ,has published a further statement explaining that it was not tho announcement of May Ist to which tho Workmen's and Soldiers' Committee objected. Tho statement points out that Russia must not emerge from this war humiliated, or with restrictions. It was to her vital interest to secure a, perpetual peace.

FURTHER RIOTS. DANGER OF CIVIL WAR. EXTREMISTS ISSUE WARNING. PETROGRAD, May 6. ' A recurrence of riots on Friday resulted in bloodshed. As a result tho Council of Workmen and Soldiers' Delegates issued a warning, which was placarded throughout the city on Saturday, stating that five persons had been killed and nine wounded on tho Nevsky Prospect on Friday night, and that tho killing and •wounding of other persons might havo been avoided. The Council requests tho soldiers to leave their rifles in barracks when participating iij demonstrations. The newspapers point out tho danger of civil war, unless the citizens and soldiers restrain, themselves. PRO-ALLY DEMONSTRATIONS. PETROGRAD, May 6. Great pro-Ally demonstrations wore held on Friday outside tho British, S'rench. and Italian Embassies. The British Ambassador, in a speech, outlined Britain's efforts in tho war, and said her only object was the solemn vindication of right and justice. He called upon Russians to support their Government, which was a sincere defender of the people's interests. PACIFIST DEMONSTRATIONS PROHIBITED. PETROGRAD, May 6. In consequence of a further collision between "Leninists'' and soldiers, the executive of tho Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates has forbidden meetings and demonstrations, and has asked that no further soldiers bo sent into tho capital without a written request from the delegates. Tho policy of tho '"Leninists" is pacifist and anti-Government. THE LIBERTY LOAN. (Router's Telegrams.) PETROGRAD, May 0. The Council of Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates, by >an overwhelming vote decided to assist the Liberty loan.