GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATION

Nelson Evening Mail, 21 May 1917, Page 5

GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATION

SEPARATE PEACE IDEA REJECTED 1 . (Renter's Telegrams.) PETROGRAD, May 19. The reconstructed Provisional Government issued a proclamation stating that it will be guided by the spirit of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It rejects the idea of a separate peace,, but aims at a general peace without annexations or indemnities, based ou the rights '_ of nations to decide their own affairs. It is convinced that the defeat of " Russia and her allies would not only be a calamity, but would postpone !■' world-wide peace. It firmly believes j that the Russian army will- not suffer the Germans to destroy the Western Allies and then throw themselves on Russia. The Minister of War has issued the following order to the armies: "The ; country/ is endangered, and everyone must do his share in defending it. No requests for acceptance of resignations \ by the high command in a desire to- es- ] cape responsibility at this grave time : will be entertained. Deserters from the 1 Army and Navy are enjoined to rejoin by May 28th under threat-.of severe punishment. The generals commanding the armies have returiied tio the front after conferring with the Government." The Daily Chronicle's Petrograd correspondent says Genera! Alexieff interviewed M. Kerenski, who has been api pointed War Minister. This is intensely satisfactory to all ranks; Already there are signs of improvement in the army. If the Government is invested with un- \ disputed authority und is not hindered by irresponsible outsiders, the army will soon be restored to ite' former strength and organisation. THE TIMES OPTIMISTIC. (Published in The Times.) ! •. LONDON, May 18. The Times views the Russian situation optimistically, and urges the Empire to show patient confidence in the Russian people's detei*minatioh to be faithful to the* Allied cause and work out their own salvation in their own way. Present auguries ' favour' this being accomplished. The American loan is striking proof of American belief that Russia will weather the' storm.