RUSSIAN DEFENCE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144351, 16 March 1914, Page 3

RUSSIAN DEFENCE.

INCREASED EXPENDITURE. TENSION DUE TO PRESS STATEMENTS. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH —COPYRIGHT. ST. PETERSBURG, March 14. The Russian newspapers state that large extraordinary military and naval credits are being discussed at a secret sitting of tho Budget Committee of tho Duma. An influential journal says it is proposed to increase Russian military effectiveness, which will be carried on despite tho press campaign against Russia in Germany and Austria. PARIS, March 14. The press points out that Russia and France have equal rights with Germany to protect their armaments. Tho Temps observes that if the legitimacy of the measures for which Germany has set an example ho challenged then an era of chronic tension-will ho re-opened and everyone will suffer. RUSSIAN PRESS COMMENTS. TIMES AND SYDNEY SUN SERVICES. (Received March 16, 8.0 a.m.) LONDON, March 15. The Russian paper Rictch likens the anti-Russian outburst in Germany to tile campaign against France which preceded the opening of tho Morocco qnesM. Sazanolf, interviewed, insists that the increase of armaments was initiated by Germany. . , , la an inspired article the R.ossnja rebukes the mischievous attempts of foreign journalists to sow discord between Russia and Germany, and reminds them of Germany’s refusal to accept a limitation of armaments. Tl recommends them to abstain from unfriendly attacks and unjust aspersions. IMPORTANT CONFERENCE. (Received March 16, 9.30 a.m.) ST. PETERSBURG, March 15. The Premier, tho Ministers of War and Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of the Finance Minister are conferring with sixty-five members of the Duma, including members of tho Military and Naval Budget Committees. Tho newspapers allege that tho conference is connected with the RussoGornia.il situation and hint that the War Mitj is tor proposes a considerable increase in the army.