Russia’s Aims in Constantinople
and baggage out of Europe. That menace lies in the attitude, aims, and plans of Russia. Paul Milyukov, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party in the Russian Duma, tells us what these are. He is one of the most prominent of Russians, professor of history in the University of Moscow. He has become a recognized authority on all Balkan questions. He has more than once refused the portfolio of a cabinet minister, and it is believed in Europe that he is in line for the premiership in the next Russian government. He took part in the conference of the allies in London last June. Fresh from his conference with Viscount Grey, he makes the following statements as outlined in the Independent for September 25: "We are to have Constantinople. Nothing else is possible. A formal agreement has been reached. Whatever may be the outcome of the war, the future of Turkey must be definitely settled. Russia must have the straits, both sides of the straits, and therefore Constantinople itself. The straits cannot be internationalized. Neither can we consider an international administration of Constantinople. European Turkey ends. The Turkish Empire remains as an Asiatic power. There will be no conflict with Great Britain over this settlement. Russia and Great Britain are in complete accord."