RED RUSSIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11026, 14 March 1914, Page 8

RED RUSSIA.

DESIRES PEACE. "BUT SHE IS READY." CAN WITHSTAND ANY ATTACK. " Times."—Sydney " Sun " Special Cables. (Received March 14, 9 a.m.) ST PETERSBURG, .March 13. Tlie "Bourse Gazette" publishes a sensational article, claiming to express views held in the highest circles, holding the firmest confidence in Russia's ability to withstand any attack, it adds:— " Russia's defensive strategy is no longer passive. Russia desires peace, but she is ready." FLARE-UP IN KIEFF. AUSTRIA SUSPECTED. A celebration in Kieff led to disturbances, and extraordinary precautions were taken. ■ A division of infantry with machine guns paraded through the main streets, while a military airship hovered overhead. Seventy-two persons were arrested, while many were severely Wounded. A.section of the Press asserts that it was a pro-Austrian demonstration.

NO GROUND FOR STIR. By relegiaph—Press Association—Copyright (Received March 14, 8.35 a.m.) ST PETERSBURG, March 13. The newspapers unanimously refuse to give credence to the intimidation allegations made by the Austro-German Press. They recall the fact that Germany sot tlie example by increasing her military strength. M. Sazojioff states that there is no ground for the present excitement. Relations between Russia and Austria were excellent, though they were strained in 1913. A semi-official article in the " Bourse Gazette'' says that Russia, in the event of war, will no longer act on the defensive. Henceforward she will assure that offensive fortifications are completed,and that the standard of efficiency among the officers is raised. Tlie artillery in many respects excels that of France and Germany, and other branches, including aviation, are-highly efficient. LOOKING FOR FIGHT. , Mr Knut ft Swedish business man and 'prominent athlete, wlio has been in Sydney, says Russia is looking for fight,- and Sweden is to be her next objective. " Sweden is suffering from just such a- scare from Russia as you aro from Japan, but there is this differenceSweden is -thoroughly prepared. When Russia does come Sweden will defend herself nobly, and give more than she takes. I have been in, Australia for six months, but during that time I have received news from my home country telling me of a war movement. Par- ' liament meets again shortly, and when it does votes of money for the construction of warships are. to be rushed I through. All Sweden is talking of Russia, and there is 110 doubt that Russia has her eyes on our little country. A big agitation is on foot to prepare for a possible invasion and the newspapers are all advocating it. It is remarkable how aniious tho people of Sweden appear to be for Russia to make the attack. They hare so long been scared that at last- they are defying'them, and daring them to 'come and conquer.' Should Russia take it into her head to come across, well—well, we'll just see."