THE WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1436, 22 April 1905, Page 2

THE WAR.

GENERAL NEWS.

DOES FRANCE REMAIN NEUTRAL?

By Telogrnph—Proaa Association—Copyrighl

London, April 19. Loading Japanese newspapers are indignant at Admiral Boshdestvensky using Kamranh as a naval base. He was soon ooaling at Kamranh Bay on Saturday. The Tokio paper Jiwissimpo declares that France is lending Buesia efficient help and is no longer neutral. Japan must invoke the aid of tho Anglo Japanese alliance. Protests are unavailing, and the time for action has come.

Tho Hongkong newspaper Courier of March 12 mentions that two Japanese cruisers visited Kamranh and Honkohe Bays respectively in search of a missing destroyer. One was ordered to desist taking soundings at Honkohe. It adds that tho Japanese will possibly explain that the taking of soundings wbb with a view to anchorage, but some importance is attached to the incident, as Vice-Ad-miral Baylo, commander of the French fleet, hurried to Hanoi.

Admiral Togo’s success in shrouding his movements creates great uneasiness in Russia.

It is reported at Hamburg that Admiral Boshdestvensky has despatched several of the fastest of the Hamburg American Line steamers, which have been converted into cruisers, to raid the Japanese shipping, hoping to cause a diversion and weaken Admiral Togo’s cruiser strength. Le Temps declares that the constant practice of Franoe is not to fix a limit of sojourn for belligerent vessels iu French territorial waters, but to prohibit acts of hostilities during their stay.

JAPANESE SUCCESS ON LAND.

GEBMAN DECEPTION. THE BALTIC FLEET. By Telegraph—Frees Association—Copyright Beceived 9.57 p.m., April 21. London, April 20. It is officially reported at Tokio that the Japanese ocoupied Tunghwashin on the 15th. The enemy retreated north. Vast stores have been accumulated along the Japaneso lines of communication and full supplies for the army are assured even should transit; by sea be interrupted. The German steamer Juliette, at Port Louis, Mauritius, asked for coal on the ground that it was proceeding to Kiachau. It was allowed 600 tonß. After 100 tons bad been taken aboard, British members of the crew declared that they had been deceived, as she was carrying stores for the Bussian fleet, and they declined to proceed. Thereupon the coaling was stopped. It is reported that the vessel has now been instructed to proceed to Saigon. It is understood at Tokio that the Baltic fleet is still ocoupying Kamranh Bay, or another port on the Aunam Coast. It is expected that they will remain to await Admiral Nebogatoff.

JAPAN PROTESTS AGAINST FRANCE’S ATTITUDE.

P.OSHDESTVENSKX’S TRICK.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Beoeived 12.30 p.m., April 20. London, April 20. Tho reports that Admiral Boshdestvensky was overhauling neutral shipping off Kamranh Bay increased Japan’s irritation. Thirty representatives of newspapers at Tokio unanimously decide that France’s conduct is inconsistent with neutrality. Tho Mikado’s Government has made a formal protest to France. .

Newspapers at Tokio declare that Japan will soon be nnable to continue to recognise the neutrality of Cochin China ports. Admiral Boshdestvensky was ordered to quit Madagascar on Franoe’s pressing representation. He disregarded the orders from Russia until ready. He proceeded East on the Czar’s direct order, but with the view of preserving secrecy be telegraphed misleading reports to head quarters.

RUSSIAN COLLIERS.

By Telegraph—Pre3s Association—Copyngnt Received 9.20 a.m., April 21. London, April 20. Bnssian colliers have sailod from the Gulf of Lmgayen. Submerged mines near Chusan destroyed two junks. A Russian patrol discovered strong Japanese or Chunchuses forces engaged in turning General Linevitch’s main front 80 miles north of Ohangchunfu.

ROSHDESTVENSKY STILL AT KAMRANH.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 9.30 a.m., April 21. London, April 20. A Saieon telegram to day states that Admiral Roshdestvensky is still at Earnranb.

It is stated in Paris that Admiral Roshdestvensky is unlikely to Bojourn at Earnranh, as Franoe will not fail to show Admiral Roshdestvensky that momentous issues cannot be trifled with.

FRENCH ASSURANCE OF NEUTRALITY.

'By; Electric Telegraph—Per Press Association—Copyright. Received 9.49 a.m., April 21. Paris, April 20. In the Chamber of Deputies M. "Vailland emphasised the wish of the Socialist party that France should observe neutrality. Other Socialists Bpoke to the same effect.

M. Rouvier said : The Government is not evading the duty of observing neutrality, nor will it, and nothing will be done contrary to that policy. We shall continue to exercise constant vigilance, eo that no incident may arise to expose us to the dangers of humiliation.

JAPAN THREATENS TO ATTACK KAMRANH BAY.

EXCITEMENT AT TOKIO.

By, Electric Telegraph'—Per Press Association—Copyright. Received 11.42 p.m., April 21. Tjondon, April 21. The Juliette has been ordered to report herself to Admiral Roshdestvensky at Kamranb Bay. The Times Paris correspondent reports that information here represents that Japan is in grim earnest. M. D ole ass o has oommunicated to St. Petersburg, but there is always the possibility that Admiral Roshdestvonsty is setting at nought the St. Petersburg instructions. If so, and France is unable to overcome bis obstinacy, Japan will not hesitate in making attacks at moorings without hostile intention towards France. The consensus of opinion is that in order to avoid complications Admiral Roshdestvensky mast shortly go of his own accord, or be com pelled by France, or expect to be attacked. The excitement at Tokio is growing rapidly. The pretext of the three mile limit is not considered a serious excuse. Amerioan newspapers declare that it Is not believable France will give Admiral Roshdestvensky the use of territorial waters for a naval base. If it does Japan will send ships in and fight as entitled to do,

THE RUSSIANS MOVE OFF.

!(J QUIT THE ANNAM COAST. By Electric Telegraphs—'Per Press As aoci a'ti o n 1 — C opy r igh fc. Received 11.46 p.m., April 21. London, April 21. The Daily Express reports that U. Del. casse, ooovorsiog with deputies in the

Chamber, stated that Admiral Roshdostvensky quitted the Annam ooast yester • day ‘ • .» ■ ' . A

JAPANESE ASSUME OFFENSIVE.

By; Electric Tolograpjii—Per Press Association —Copyright. Beoeived 12.57 a.m., April 22. London, April 21. Correspondents in Manchuria mention thai Marshal Oyarna is assuming the offoQsivo.