PREPARED TO FIGHT FOR FIVE OR TEN YEARS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16019, 10 September 1915, Page 7

PREPARED TO FIGHT FOR FIVE OR TEN YEARS.

DECLARATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE DUMA. PARLIAMENTARY LEADERS ADOPT LIBERAL PROGRAMME. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Lokdon", September 8. A Copenhagen newspaper contains an interview with M. Bod-lia-nko, President of the Duma, who declared that, if necessary, Russia would continue her operations for five or even ten years to obtain her objectives. Petrograd and Moscow would be given up and the Russians would retire behind the Urals if the necessity arose, but the war would continue unabated and unaltered until Russia was victorious. Her twelve million soldiers would fight until the last drop of blood was shed. The President mentioned Constantinople as one of Russia's objectives. Leaders of the Parliamentary 'bloc"' have signed a common programme declaring that victory is only possible to a Government supported by the confidence and organised co-operation of Russia. The programme provides for a Bill establishing autonomy in Poland, a conciliatory policy in Finland, the removal of disabilities on Jews, the enlargement of the trade union rights of artisans, a liberal amnesty for political and religious offenders, the amelioration of the condition of refugees, and the extension of local self-government.