RUSSIAN ARMY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9690, 19 June 1917, Page 6

RUSSIAN ARMY

“MUST BEAT ENEMY.” SPEECH BY GENERAL BRUSSILOEE. English files to hand contain a striking speech by General Brussiloff, who ah a banquet given to three deputies of the Duma, who were visiting his spoke of the devotion of the soldoera to the cause of Ras.va “Wo of the army,” he said, took the oath of allegienco to the newlyformed Government, fully realising the imperative necessity of supporting it steadfastly, and wo are prepared to sacrifice our lives if that will afford it a chance of fulfilling its purpose to the end. I receive many telegrams and letters expressing certain distrust in regard to the army—not to me personally, but to the army. They think that while the army has gone over to tho new regime, ij still has leanings towards the old one. That undoubtedly is not so. Soldiers, officers and generals, all have incepted the new order consciously, and not one desires to turn back. The army will be loyal to the Government, and will fulfil its duties at all hazards. “I g reatly esteem the council of labour deputies, but the order which it issued at first entailed much harm. As, is known, it states that the officers must be chosen- by the soldiers. Such a thing has never been seen. There is no such army in the whole world. If there were, it would not be an army, but a mob. This was more dangerous because of its possible results behind the front. Thereis. complete solidarity "between the officers and soldiers in 't.jo trenches, and this order is not so pernicious at the front .where it failed to destroy discipline and comradeship as it did in the rear. There t<he effect was really destructive in many places—not in our army, be it said to its honjur, but in remote, near Russia. “But all this is the reverse side of the medal. We of the active army are devoted wholeheartedly to Russia and the new Government, and all are equally prepared to lay down our lives to save Russia and make her happy. Until we defeat the enemy and destroy German imperialism and militarism, there can be no glorious and powerful Russia. Those who think tbata the war can now be ended, or that the country can be saved without going ahead, are mistaken. To'heat the enemy one must go ahead, for lie who advances wins. Lastly, the Germans occupy a large area of our country, and all this must he won hick. "T-i the name of the active v armv, I drink to the health of the members of the Sovereign Duma who have ap-

pointed the Government which will lead us towards a constituent assembly-” ■ The last words of Genera] Brussiloff elicited thunderous applause.