HC Deb 19 March 1917 vol 91 cc1536-8
Mr. ASQUITH

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he can give us any information as to the state of things in Russia?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Lleyd George)

The incidents in connection with what I believe will prove to be one of the landmarks in the history of the world have followed each other with such dramatic suddenness that it has not hitherto been possible, and it is not possible to-day, to give to the House of Commons a detailed account of what has actually occurred.

There has for some time been deep discontent in Russia, of which there have been several manifestations, due to the inefficiency of the Government in the conduct of the War. On Friday, the 9th, some riots, due to the scarcity of food, occurred in the streets of Petrograd. This was, however, the occasion rather than the cause of the Revolution which immediately followed.

The soldiers who were commanded to take action against the rioters refused to obey orders, and gave their support to a committee, of which the President of the Duma was the head, which had been suddenly formed for the purpose of preserving order, and the control of the Government passed largely into the hands of this committee. Subsequently a strong Provisional Government was formed, of which Prince Lwoff is the head, and the Proclamation of this Government, as well as that of the Czar announcing his abdication for himself and his son, and that of the Grand Duke Michael, have appeared in the Press, and also the refusal of the latter, while placing his services at the disposal of the new Government, to accept the Throne unless called to it by the voice of the people, expressed in a constituent assembly. So far as our information goes, the Revolution has been brought about with very little bloodshed, and the new Government is receiving the support both of the country as a whole and of the Army and Navy. Our information, however, does not enable us to say that all danger is over, but it is satisfactory to know that the new Government has been formed for the express purpose of carrying on the War with increased vigour.

I have only to add, on behalf of the Government, that they believe that the Russian people will find that liberty is compatible with order, even in revolutionary times, and that free peoples are the best defenders of their own honour and safety.

Mr. FLAVIN

Why do you not practise what you preach?

The PRIME MINISTER

They are confident that these events, marking as they do an epoch in the world and the first great triumph of the principle for which we entered the War, will result, not in any confusion or slackening in the conduct of the War, but in the even closer and more effective co-operation between the Russian people and its Allies in the cause of human freedom. I may say that the Government propose to put a Motion down on the subject.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Has the Russian counterpart of Irish misgovernment fallen to the ground?

Commander WEDGWOOD

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he contemplates sending any message to the Russian Duma from this the Mother of Parliaments?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes; I propose on Thursday to move a Resolution.

Sir J. D. REES

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything of the present position or fate of the Emperor, whose patriotic and unselfish conduct has facilitated this Revolution?

Mr. DEVLIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether a Constituent Assembly will be established for Ireland?

Mr. PRINGLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when we are to have a reform of the franchise in this country?