From Czar to Bolshevik #252267

The study so made, as day by day the extraordinary kaleidoscopic events passed before the eyes, proved of absorbing interest, and left me deeply impressed with their extreme importance alike to this country and to Russia herself. The occurrences which led directly to the present position are set down in diary form in these pages. I have refrained from criticism. For the sequence of events appears to furnish its own answers to the thoughtful man. But in the national interests the diary has a further object. It is of the highest importance that the true causes for the present appalling condition of Russia should be understood, and the question be regarded with that breadth of view and the clarity and coolness in passing judgment with which our race has become credited by the foreigner. At present there is a strong feeling amongst the peoples of the Entente that Russia has let us in. That the loss of the Eastern front has proved a disaster of the first magnitude is obvious to all. As a direct consequence we are now engaged upon the greatest battle in history and fighting for our lives, or, which we value more, our national honour.