China.

Manawatu Herald, 5 March 1898, Page 2

China.

Mr Curzon, Parliamentary Secretaiy to the Foreign Office, speaking in the House of Commons, 6aid negotiations were proceeding with Russia' Germany and France io regard to their claims for occupation of places on the coast of China. Russia wae also negotiating with Corea for a coal depot at Deer Island, where ths Japanese possess a similar dopofc. The war between Japan and China had disturbed the balance of power, as prior to that Russia and Germany hud established a lien over Chinese gratitude. He went on to state that Britain's ofier of generous ti-rm* had not. prevented the suspicion? of the Powers resulting in the Chinese withdrawing iheir r* quest, Britain had, however, since obtained con cessions without any financial risk. Treaty rights entailed an obligation on Britain to oppose exclusive privileges being granted, and an establishment of equality of treat* ment. As tbe basis of their relations with China, the Government was determined to maintain these and uphold free commerce.

Russia is pressing for the dismissal of Rritish railway engineers employed in China.

The Chinese loan contract has been signed.

The revenues from tbe Che?kan° and Yang-tse Valldy territory have been placed under the control of the Imperial Customs.

The loan is redeemable in 45 yearg.

In the House of Commons Mr Ourzon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Office, stated that Germany had given repeated assurances that Kiaochou would be made a fret port, and that she did not desire to disturb the integrity of China or come into conflict with the interest? or susceptibilities of Britain. Russia be added, had promised that port Arthur would be made an open port dke the treaty porta if the native •ariff were assimilated to that levied by the Maritime Customs.

Th 4 House, without a division, adopted* a motion bj' Sir A. Ash mead Bartlefct, expressing its sense of the vital importance of main twining British commerce and in fluenco, and the independence of Chinese territory.