A RUSSIAN STATEMENT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11107, 27 December 1916, Page 8

A RUSSIAN STATEMENT.

FUTILITY OF WILSON’S INTERFERENCE. WE MUST BE VICTORIOUS. Reuter. i Received Deo. 27, 11.30 a.m. Petrograd, Deo. 26 M. Pontrowski, new Foreign j Minister, informed Press representatives that after'the war the unlirary alliance of Russia, France anrlßritauj would he consolidated ry a close economic union. The war would be continued till a decisive victory was gained. Mr Wilson’s Note could not alter the situation. The Allies would reply fully, but refuse Mr Wilson’s proposal. He reiterated that they would continue the war tin til the restoration of ravaged territory and the existence of small nations have been secured and a new world conflagration rendered impossi hie. He indicated* turtber military measures, to finally end Greek vacillations, A SOCIALIST VIEW. Kece ived Dec. 27, 9.45 a.m. Paris, Dec. 28. Messrs Senderson, Roberts and Paiker -attended the Socialist Congress. Senderson was cheered when he declared that England was resolved to continue the war until Prussianism had been smashed. Van Der Velde, Belgian Minister, said the Belgians were still confident and courageous. The idea of peace could not be entertained until France, Belgium;and|Servia had been liberated. Mr Roberts denounced the hy.pocricv of Germany’s proposals and pointed put that they emanated from the original disturber of the world’s peace,

TEXT OF GERMAN REPLY.

HYPOCRITICAL TALK OF PEACE. SUGGESTS IMMEDIATE CONFERENCE Received Dec. 27, 1 p.m. Nevy York, Dec. 26. The German reply says that President Wilson’s Note leaves the choice of road open. Therefore, in the sense of the declaration of the cable on December 12tb Germany proposes as the most appropriate road an immediate conference of belligerents at a neutral meeting place. The German reply adds that the work ot preventing future wars can begin only after the pre-ent war ends, when Germany will be ready to collaborate with America in this exalted task. HUN PLEASURABLE ANTICIPATIONS. DEMOLISHED BY CANNON FIRE HYMNS ON PEACE INTERRUPTED. German commanders on the Eastern front infoimed the troops of the Central Empire’s offer of peace. There was great jubilation, AustroGerman. troops solemnly and pompously singing hymns in celebration of what they described as the beginning of peace negotiations. German commanders.led their men to believe that the Allies wonld accept peace offers joyfully. The Russians, midst Ihe Teutonic rejoicings, opened heavy fire which completely nonplussed the enemy, who ceased their hymns and seized their rifles. The enemy frequently hoisted placards on the breastworks and trenches depicting Russians and'Germans shaking hands. Russian; sharpshooters promptly riddled the hoaids with bullets.

CENTRAL POWERS’ NOTES.

ALL ALIKE. AND ALL FUTILE. .Received Dec. 27, 3 p.m. New York, Dec. 26. A Berlin message states that Notes identical with the German have been sent to America by all the Central Powers. IRON FOR HORSES. A CONTRACT BROKEN. $ Received Dee. 27, 2 p.m, Copenhagen , Dec. 26. The Danish-German Governments agreed to exchange of German iron for Danish horses and chemicals. It is now announced that iron cannot be exported as it is all required for German military purpose?. Germany’s breaking of the contract has seriously affected the Danish metal industry. HOW TO DEAL WiTH THE HUN. REPRISALS THE ONLY WAY. RUSSIANS BRING THEM TO REASON. Received Dec. 27, 2 p.m. Petrograd, Dec. 26. The Russian ultimatum, threatening a flogging as a disciplinary, measure, for German prisoners, unless Germany abolished the torture called “suspension,” practised ou Russian prisoners, has had the desired effect. Germany has replied, substituting irnprisonimnt tor the barbarious punishment, Germany has also abolished the severe measures applied to Russian officers, owing to Russia, as a reprisal,' reducing German officers prisoners to the rank of privates.