The Situation in the Far East

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 154, 28 December 1897, Page 2

The Situation in the Far East

— o A GREAT SCHEME OF AGGRANDISEMENT. Telegraph. Press Association. Copyright Sydney, December 27The HoDgkong daily papers of Do cecuber 2nd contain au unofficial statement that Russia, Germany, and France have agreed npou a policy of territorial aggrandisement in China under which Germany is to retain Kiao-chau and eventually annex the whole of the Shantung province, Franco is to have Formosa and the Fokieu province, aud Russia is to annex Corea and Manchuria aud the whole of the north-eastern portion of China am far as the Shantung border. There is considerable adverse comment on the action of the Minister of Agriculture iv observing secrecy in con nectiou with the supply ol frozen meat to Russia. It is considered that he should, at least, have first consulted the military authorities. The Military Commandant, however, sees so objection, as Russia must be considered a friendly Power, and the Government are only acting as commercial agents iv euteoding the trade of the colony. The Russian Consul is surprised that tie ban received no communication on the matter, and says the Russian Government is probably acting on behalf of some enterprising agent negotiating for suppliers of meat. Tokio, December 26. The Japanese Diet has been dissolved in order to divert a vote of aocoufidcaco iv the Government. The Mikado, in b. speech at the opening of the Japanese Diet, said the re- ! lations with all the Powers were of a friendly character.