RATTLING THE SABRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15558, 16 March 1914, Page 7

RATTLING THE SABRE.

EUROPEAN COMPLICATION.

"RUSSIA IS READY."

AUSTRO-G ERM AN FEARS.

INCREASED ARMAMENTS

CAMPAIGN IN THE PRESS

FRENCH ENTHUSIASM

By Telegraph Press Association Copyright.

(Received March 15, 5.5 p.m.)

St. Petersburg, March 14. The newspapers here unanimously refuse to be intimidated by the Austro-German agitation, and recall that Germany set the example of increasing her military strength. M. Sazonoff (Foreign Minister) states that there is no ground for the present excitement. The relations of Russia and Austria are now excellent, though they were strain -d in 1913. Sensational Articles. The semi-official Bourse Gazette, in a scries of sensational articles, says that Russia, in the event of war, will no longer act on the defensive, but will henceforward assume the offensive. Her fortifications are completed, the officers' standard ,has been raised, her artillery in many respects excels that of France and Germany, and the other branches, including aviation, arc highly efficient. The Gazette claims the firmest confidence in Russia's ability to withstand any attacks, and adds that the Muscovite strategy is no longer passive. It concludes: —''Russia desires peace, but she is ready.'' Disturbances at KieS. A. celebration at Kieff on Thursday led to disturbances, and extraordinary precautions were taken. A division of infantry with machine guns paraded the main streets, while a military airship hovered I overhead. Seventy-two people were | arrested, and many were severely I wounded before the riot was quelled. I A section of the press asserts that the affair was a pro-Austrian demonstration. The newspapers state that large extraordinary military and naval credits are being discussed at a secret sitting of the Budget Committee of' the Duma. An influential journal adds that the proposed increase in military effectiveness will be carried out despite the press campaign in Germany and Austria. SHORN OF ITS TERRORS. NO NEED FOR ALARM. Paris, March 14. The firm reply by the Bourse Gazette (Si, Petersburg) is enthusiastically welcomed in France. It is felt that the German menace has lost its terrors, and that France's position is much more secure than it was a few years ago. Le Temps says Germany must get rid of the idea that the rattling of • the sword will cause any alarm in either France or Russia.