Norwich bulletin., 1917-07-23
PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT
 OF RUSSIA PROCLAIMS
Condition Caused by Criminal levity,
 Blind Fanaticism and Treachery.

Petrograd,, July 22.-The provisional government has issued proclamation to the nation setting forth the seri- ousness of the situation, declaring that it's first duty is to apply it's whole strength against the foreign foe and in defense of the administration against anarchical and counter-r rev olu- = tion attempts and outlining important reforms throughout the country The proclamation reads:
 "Citizensi The fateful hour has struck The German emperors armies have broken the front of the national revolutionary army. This terrible op- era tion has been facilitated by the criminal levity and blind fanaucism of some and the treachery Of others. At this Hateful moment when, taking ad- vantage of the general confusion. the hidden forces of counter-revolutlon can raise their heads, the remodeled provisional government clearly realizes it's heavy responsibilities. It possesses, however, full and firm confidence In the strength of the great Russian peo- pie and in the rapid recuperation of the life polite, now that the contag1on which has shaken the national organ ism has manifested itself and burned itself out in an acute crisis.
 The government firmly believes that the crisis will lead to recovery, not death. Strong in the belief, the gov ernment is ready to act with the en- ergy and resolution the exceptional circumstances demand. The govern ment regards it's firm and capital task the application of its whole strength to the struggle against the foreign foe and to the defense of the new governmental regime against ev- cry anarchical and counter revolution ary attempt without hesitating to take the most rigorous measures in it's power. At the same time the govern ment reterates that not a drop of blood of a Russian soldier shall be shed for any foreign end, as already pro- claimed to the whole world
 The proclamation proceeds to state that in accordance with the declara- tion of May 19 the government intends to summon the allies to a conference in August to decide a general ori- entation of the allies foreign policy and to coordinate their actions with regard to the application of the prin- ciples proclaimed by the Russian rev olution. At this conference Russia will be represented. in addition to diplomats and representatives of Rus sian democracy.
 ''The government" continues the proclama ton, considers it indispensa- ble Immediately to proceed with a se- ries of measures putting the principles announced on May 19 into operation, and adheres to the steps already tak0n to convene constituent assemblv Sept. 30. The speediest introduction of autonomy for municipalities and gem stvos based direct, equal secret, unlVerSaI suIirase ana the eHleHSion of this principle to the entire country is the governments chief problem in internal policy.
 "Attributing at the same time par ticular importance to the creation of local executive bodies enjoying the confidence of the entire population, the government will forthwith proceed with the organizat ton of such author ities and will also at an early date promulgate a decree abo1ishing classes and ranks of officials and decorations except those for great military deeds"