BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1368, 1 February 1905, Page 2

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

A CHINESE AUTHORITY’S OPINION. .(Per R.M.S. Sierra, at Auckland.) London, Jan. 4. “ Russia’s discomfiture in East Asia will be the signal for a more vigorous furtherance of >England's Asiatic plans..” said Li Sin Chong, a Chinese authority, this morning. “England,” ho continued, “will stick to Weibaiwoi, and consolidate and extend its operations in internal China. It will open .railways, mines, factories, and mercantile, establishments, and inextricably interweave its interest with those of the most enterprising section of the Chinose people. Ocutial Asia, however, is the point where drastic and dangerous developments may bo expected. Russia and England arc coming to closo quarters there. Their incompatible policies are approaching a docisive issue. Lord Lansdowne, liko evory other British statesman, sees, notwithstanding England’s threat to blow up any Power that may seize a port in the Persian Gulf, that Russia is moving uninterruptedly toward such undertaking. This accounts for Lord Curzon being in England to manufacture public opinion in favor of a forward Indian policy. It accounts for Lord Kitchener’s reorganisation of tho Indian Army, for the clearing off of England’s right flank in Thibet, and for Loid Selborne's outspoken words about Russia's railway plans. Finally, it accounts for England’s present so-called commercial mission to Persia, following Lord Ctrzon’s shrewd and brilliant amenities with powerful tribes round the Persian Gulf. This mission will turn out to be the fotorunner of England’s practical annexation of Southern Persia.”