RUSSIA AND CHINA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 98, 3 August 1880, Page 3

RUSSIA AND CHINA.

A letter from Professor Martens on the conflict between Russia and China haa appeai-ed in the Golos. The letter, which is said to have an evident semiofficial character, commences with an historical review of the Kuldja question, demonstrating that Russia was bound to restore Kuldja provided China gave guarantees for the security of the Russian frontiers and the due execution of treaties concluded. Chung How was authorised to con elude a treaty with Russia, which was signed at Livadiain September, 1879, but which the Chinese Government refuse to ratify. Russia, proceed* the letter, will now only restore Kuldja if approached in a friendly spirit, and will never yield to threats of force. Professor Martens attributes the present conflict with China to the predominance of the anti-Kuropean party at the Court of of Pekin, head- — ed by the eldei Bogdokhan, and by Tso-Tsun-Tan, who subdued the Dounghins. In the event of a war between Russi? and China, Professor Martens considers that the European residents in the foreign settlements of China would be in danger of massacre. He is also of opinion that the present conflict will necessarily influence foreign trade with China, and declares on good authority that all the representatives of the Powers at the Court .of Pekin recognise the common danger threatening all foreigners and the solidarity of their interests, and are opposing the antiEurqpean party at the Imperial Court by supporting the .just claims of Russia. The Professor strongly rebuts the accusation brought in some quarters against England of having intrigued to foment a conflict between Russia and China which now threatens to embroil China with all civilised nations interested in the China trade, and states that the British representative at Pekin is making energetic efforts to avert Buch a danger.