ROYAL LETTERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 79, 2 March 1929, Page 7

ROYAL LETTERS

CZARINA AND RASPUTIN. Further remarkable letters written by the Czar of Russia to the Czarina, fcom the front in 1916, have been pub. lished in the London Spectator. Written in his usual affectionate style, some of them disclose to her grave military secrets. She is begged not to disclose the information to anyone —“not even to our friend, Rasputin.”. The first . letter, dated “Stavka. General Headquarters, June 2, 1916,’ says: —“My darling, I thank you tenderly for your dear letter. No. 506. Only think what a big number I Every evening, before saying my prayers with, our ray of sunshine (the Czarewiteli), I tell him the contents off your telegrams and read to him your letters. He listens, lying in bed, and kisses your signature. He is beginning to be talkative, and to inquire about many things when we are alone. Now, my Joy, it is time to finish. God guard you and the girls. I kiss your dear .little face and 1 love you ardently. “Eternally, wifey mine, all yours, Nicky.” A letter dated June 6 says: “Alexeiev and myself decided not to attack the north (against the Germans), but to concentrate on the south (against the Austrians and Hungarians). I beg you not to tell anyone, not even our friend Rasputin.” “NOT A SOUL MUST KNOW.” Another letter, dated July 2, says: “My precious wifey, “Warmest thanks for your dear letters, No 536. lam writing after lunch, coming from the garden with wet sleeves and boots, as Alexey (the Czarewiteli) sprayed us from the fountain —his favourite game with the French General Janin, General Williams and the Japanese. There is great animation and peals of laughter while it lasts. I embrace you passionately and cover your face with ardent kisses.” A letter dated June 7 says :—“I told Alexeiev of your interest in military affairs and of the details you asked. He smiled and listened silently. Our pursuit will end on the River Souchava. Don’t be surprised if a temporary lull occurs. We shan’t move until reinforcements have arrived and a diversion created at Pinsk. I beg you to keep it to yourself. Not a single soul must know.” ; The Spectator points out that Alex- 1 eiev was always firm and reserved towards the Czarina, and opposed her suggestion that Rasputin should visit Stavka, threatening to resign if this occurred. Alexeiev told General Denikin: “An examination of the Czarina’s papers in 1917 showed that she possessed a map showing the dispositions of,;the whole front of which only two copies were prepared—one for the Czar and the other for myself. I was most painfully impressed. God knows who, may have used this map I”