RUSSIA’S TRIAL

Otago Witness, Issue 3212, 6 October 1915, Page 86

RUSSIA’S TRIAL

AT A MILE-POST.

OUR POSSIBLE ALLIES. (Feom Oub Own Coheespondent.) LONDON, August 4. Probably no one of tile Powers now ax war Looks back on the lirst year of lighting from such a definite mhe-poist in her history as Russia has now reached. After great vicissitudes and memorable triumphs sue finds herself at what we must hope will be the lowwater mark of her fortunes, but w.th her armies and her spirit unshaken. When the G-overmnci.t met the Duma on Sunday, the fail of Warsaw being then imminent, the President (M. Rodgianko) greeted the diplomatic representatives of the Allies, who were cheered by all the members and by the public. The demonstration reached its climax when, in the name of the whole Russian people, he thanked “our new ally, the brave Italian nation,” and when he spoke of “Our Polish brethren, who were tiie first to receive the blows of an abominable enemy.” M. Sazonoff (Minister of Foreign Affairs) said: “The complicated work-of combined action by separate States has been well organised since the forces of each State have been employed to the best advantgo in striving for the common end. An addition to the friendly family of the Allies has been made by the participation of Italy, whose people have long wished to free their fellow-country-men from a foreign yoke. If the example of Italy had been followed by other States, we should be approaching the time when the belligerents could resume their peaceful reproductive labours. Nevertheless, the time for supreme decisions has not yet passed, and it is to bo hoped that the time which still remains will bo taken advantage of by those neutrals who cannot otherwise find a solution of their national problems.”

He referred in friendly terms to the relations with Sweden, and continued : “The unexampled valour of the Allied troops fighting in Gallipoli excites our unanimous admira/tion. Suffering grave losses, forcing almost insurmountable obstacles erected by nature and cunningly taken advantage of by the Germans, our valiant allies, with unshakable tenacity, see approach that longed-for moment when a close and diixct bond will be established between us. The Turks, scenting the approaching storm, have overwhelmed the Christian peoples still in their power with exceptional cruelty. The Armenians are suffering • unheard of persecutions, which have not, however, broken their spirit, for Armenian volunteers are fighting courageously with us against their oppressors. Persecutions no less terrible suffered bj the local Greek populations cannot but excite the indignant commiseration of the Hellenic people and its Government. The latter will have to solve the question whether it is capable of coming to the assistance of its co-religionists in Asia Minor without joining the Powers who are fighting for right and justice. On th;s occasion I must refer particularly to the pressure which Rumania is undergoing at the hands of Auetro-German agents. Nevertheless, despite all their efforts, the Rumanian Government is resisting temptation, and wo continue with it relations of friendship, the strengthening and development of which are the subject of our reciprocal care. I deem it superfloue to mention the participation of Serbia in our struggle against, our enemies. After the miracles of bravery and devotion of which it has given proof, the Serbian army, with renewed strength, and supported by Franco and Great Britain, is ready to rejoin the Allies. I am persuaded that the Serbian people, conscious of its patriotic duty, will draw courage for fresh sacrifices from the extraordinary events now happening, sacrifices which devolve in equal measure on all the Allies.”

M. Radoskvoff, the Bulgarian Prime Minister, has denied to a correspondent of the Petit Parisian that his country is looking for a favourable chance of falling- on Serbia, but ho asserts that if Serbia is wise she will make some compensation to her for the outlet on the Adriatic. “We consider that Serbia, exhausted and impoverished, will not be able to assume with success and continuity the administration of the territories which she has conquered or which are ceded to her. I repeat, that if victory finally belongs to the Triple Entente, and if Serbia realises what are her own interests, she should eventually consent to discuss with us the question of Macedonia. Let her bo thoroughly convinced henceforth that we are in no way hostile to her definite access to Adriatic ports. We are entirely disposed to favour her action, provided that 'we receive compensation. Afterwards a. favourable treaty of commerce and a substantial Customs entente. Wo know that we shall not always remain neutral. We cannot yet say with whom we shall side,- but we know more or less in whar. direction our energies will be directed., Wc shall fight solely in accordance with our national interests. We wish to tear up the odious Treaty of B charost which we signed with the knife at our throats, constrained and forced, and not in the plenitude of our judgment. The Quadruple Entente, which loudly declares that it is fighting for right against might, can obtain our assistance if iV secures from Serbia the restitution to us of that part of Macedonia which is our land and our property, which is the flesh of our flesh, and the blood of our blood, and thus close the open wound in our side.