Declassified diplomatic cables from Sydney to London during WW1 show prove that Australia formally returned the stolen Russian Crimean Cannons on January 14 1917, when the Prime Minister’s Department directed a letter to the Official Secretary to the Governor General of Australia.

“Representations have been made that Russia would very highly appreciate return of cannon captured during Crimean War and now held by Commonwealth or State governments throughout Australia. It is thought that this would be regarded as an outward and visible sign of the inward spirit of the entente with Russia which the Australian governments and people value very greatly. Shall be glad to learn if there is any objection to proposed action.”

- William Morris Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia, January, 1917

The decision to return the cannons was immediately backed by the Governor-General and His Majesty's government in London. Unfortunately in 1917 the Russian Empire collapsed and Australia severed diplomatic ties.

In June of 2021 Mr. Simeon Boikov and a team of Australian researchers uncovered the original archival documents in Canberra which form the legal basis for the return of the cannons.

Currently, the Crimean Cannons are in the custody of the state government;

x2 Adelaide 

x2 Sydney (Centennial Park)

X2 Melbourne

X2 Hobart/Launceston 

The documents in question have been published for this first time in 104 years.

We therefore ask the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia to honour this legitimate and important decision which legally stands to this day and return the stolen Crimean Cannons to the Russian Federation.

The Great wartime Prime Minster William Hughe's decision to return the Crimean Cannons to Russia must be upheld and actioned!