KERENSKY IN LONDON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 168, 13 July 1918, Page 3

KERENSKY IN LONDON.

A MIXED' .RECEPTION.

OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK.

LONDONj June 27. AT. Kerensky arrived in London secretly a. week ago, and his visit- was known only to a few Socialist friends. 1 he majority of the delegates to the conference. yesterday did not recognise him when .Mr Henderson led forward a. dark, grave, pale-faced, neatly-tailored man. A brief dramatic introduction had barely been uttered when the startled delegates leaped to their feet and cheered wildh'. Hats were flung up mid shouts of welcome, and Kerensky was invited to join as a. fraternal delegate. A few delegates suspiciously questioned M. Kerensky's presence. They asked why the Government favoured l him, while M. Troelstra, the Dutch pro-Ger-man Socialist, and M. Litvinoff were not allowed to participate. The chairman, 'Mr Purdv, ruled the questions out of order. Mr Arthur Henderson, M.P., said that he introduced Kerensky only as a man who had done much good in the interests of democracy. (Cheers). A further question produced' an uproar, in which an overwhelming majority supported the chairman, and shouted down the interrupters. Kerensky's appearance suggests an intellectual ascetic, who has been greatly reduced by disasters and illness. He retains his masterful bearing and decisive speech. His eyes give an impression of a. tense, burning spirit, possessing a piercing brightness almost unnatnural. In an interview, iM. Kerensky said that, despite the horror of the Bolshevik regime, he could see reason to hope for the prompt regeneration of Russia. The closest friendship of the Allies wa; vital. The Bolsheviks willingly or unwillingly were working in the interests of Germany, but their days were numbered. The scene which occurred yesterday after the dramatic introduction of Kerensky, when the delegates sympathising with the present Russian regime questioned Kerensky's standing, was repeated to-day, when Kerensky and other foreign delegates attended. Kerensky's credentials were challenged, and pandemonium reigned for a- time. Eventually the chairman was permitted to welcome the delegates.