of
action against the Caucasus. The Persian Government,
powerless to take effective action against this aggression,
protested, but without success. I must state that
Anglo-Russian relations in regard to Persian affairs are more
than ever based on mutual and sincere confidence and
co-operation, which are a guarantee of the pacific settlement
of any eventual conflict.

Passing to the Far East, M. Sazanof said the agreements signed in 1907
and 1910 with Japan had borne fruit during the present war, for Japan
was with them. She had driven the Germans from the Pacific Ocean, and
had seized the German base of Kiao-chau. Although Japan did not sign the
agreement of Aug. 23, yet, since the Anglo-Japanese alliance contained
an undertaking that a separate peace should not be concluded, therefore
the German Government could not hope for peace with Japan before she had
concluded peace with Great Britain, Russia, and France. Consequently,
their relations with Japan gave them a firm friend. The demands
addressed by Japan to China contain nothing contrary to our interests.

As for Russo-Chinese interests, he could state their constant
improvement. The _pourparlers_ in regard to Mongolia, though slow, were
friendly, and he hoped to be able to announce shortly the signature of a
triple Russo-Chinese-Mongolian treaty, which, while safeguarding the
interests of Russia, would not injure those of China.

In conclusion, M. Sazanof expressed the hope that the close union of all
Russians around the throne, which had been manifested since the
beginning of the war, would remain unchanged until the completion of the
great national task.

Speakers of the Progressist, Octobrist, and Nationalist Centre Parties
agreed that a premature peace would be a crime against their country and
humanity, and that therefore Russia was prepared to make every sacrifice
so that Germany might be definitely crushed.

At the end of the sitting the following resolution was unanimously
adopted:

_The Duma, saluting the glorious exploits of our soldiers, sends to the
Russian Army and Navy a cordial greeting and to our allies an expression
of sincere esteem and sympathy. It expresses its firm conviction that
the great national and liberating objects of the present war will be
achieved, and declares the inflexible determination of the Russian
Nation to carry on the war until conditions shall have been imposed on
the enemy assuring