9 November

'The situation must be regarded seriously but not tragically. Even if the facts be true there is no occasion for undue alarm ...' the Times quotes the ambassador as saying. 'It is better that it should have taken place and be disposed of once and for all. The maximalist movement, by its arbitrary action, is already doomed. I have no doubt that the movement will be stopped by the first Cossack regiment that appears on the scene.'