The Wanganui Herald (Published Daily.) FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1917. CONSTANTINOPLE'S FUTURE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15193, 13 April 1917, Page 4

The Wanganui Herald (Published Daily.) FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1917. CONSTANTINOPLE'S FUTURE.

Stranger rfews was perhaps never told in Gath or whispered in the streets of ] Ascalon than that reported in Wednesday's cables that the Provincial Government of Russia had announced the re-.; linqukhment of Russia's claim to Constantinople. Russia to-day is in the melting pot, and until the assay is thoroughly completed, it is unwise to place too much reliance upon statements concerning big national- questions that have yet to be decided. The fact, however, is nevertheless very significant that at least a section of Russian thought—bfae Socialists—are opposed to any ideas of annexation, and are even prepared to relinquish claims to an indemnity. Months ago it was announced in the Duma the Allies had agreed that in the final settlement after the war Rusgia was to have the Dardanelles and Constantinople. TMs city has been th« objective of other statesmen during tiie 400 years of her existence as a nation, and it is out of the question to suppose taat this great commercial outlet, which is- essential to the development of Russian trade, is to be given up when success is within measurable distance, and after so much blood has been shed to capture it. Reading between the lines, it is obv;ous that the great democratic party of Russia, which was responsible for the revolution, recognises the importance and necessity of securing Constantinople, but in the present state of internal unrest nas deemed it desirable, as a sop to the extremists or what might be termed the "Red Fed" element, not to press this plank in their platform at the present critical political juncture. At the same time, "the Russian mind is expressed by the veteran leader of one of the best organised parties in Russia (M. Rodicheg) who emphasised Russia's obligation to the Allies. "Those sneering at the annexation of Constantinople should remember the Allies' tremendous sacrifices for our interests. Thousands of British and French soldiers are buried on Gallipoli for Russia's sake. We don't want the Allies to say they gave their sons and brothers at Gallipoli merely to satisfy a Russian whim."