We trust that those who occupy themselves with the problem
of the relations between Russia and Britain will study the very interesting article in the Times of Wednesday headed "Russia and England in the Near East— from a Correspondent," and dated Moscow, April 6th. The prime importance of that letter is the emphatic denial it gives—through the mouth of "a Russian Administrator of eminent position and more than usually well versed in matters of Russian policy in the Near East "—to an idea unfortunately very prevalent in Britain just now, even among well-informed people,—namely, that Russia no longer cares about Constantinople and the Bosphorus, and that her gaze is turned solely towards the Far East and the South ; towards, that is, Manchuria and Persia. The Russian informant of the Times correspondent is, we believe, absolutely correct when he declares that what all Russia still longs for and is determined to get is Constantinople and the Bosphorus. "Were the cry to-morrow or the day after To the Bosphorus!' all Russia would rally to it." But this being so, it is most important that we should recognise the fact, for a true understanding of the forces which direct Russian policy is essential if we are ever to come to terms with Russia. For us, and we believe for the great majority of Britons, the possession of the Bosphorus by Russia has ceased to have any terrors ; but at any rate we ought to realise that the Russian people still passionately desire to hold Constantinople, and not live in the fool's paradise of imagining that Russia has ceased to long to see the Cross set once more upon "the dome to Heavenly Wisdom consecrate."
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