China.

Manawatu Herald, 4 May 1899, Page 2

China.

Lord Salisbury, Prime Minister and . Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, made an -important speech upon the latest development in the foreign relations of the nation at a banquet held to day in connection wi£h the Royal Academy Exhibition. Britain had, he said, signed a gratifying agreement with Rugsia, which doubtless would have a good influence. He did not wish to exaggerate the extent of that influence, but in view of the relations which during the past half century had from time to time existed between Great Britain and the moßt important empire in the world (Russia), the new development was a matter for congratulation. His lordship further stated that an agreement had been arranged respecting China which would prevent the likelihood of a collision between the interests and objects of Britain and Russia in that part of the world for the future. «

There was, he proceeded to say, reason for congratulation in the fact that we had those' relations of amity with so many nations the mainteuance of which had been co long es3ent a l , and that still our interests and honour had been preserved. That was the highe?t object to which a Minister of the Crown could look.

Descanting in general upon the question of international relationship. Lord Salisbury said we talked sometimes of alliances, and to a certain extent thab phrase was quite proper ; but an alliance implying that we should go forth bearing the cost and danger of war together and for each other was rare indeed. Our dearest friend and neighbour would be surprised if asked to pay our solicitor ; and that principle applied to the unity of nations.

The announcement of the Anglo Russian agreement created a good impression in St. Petersburg, in Berlin and in London.

The French are, however, disappointed, claiming to have invested twelve millions sterling in the Yang-tse-Kiang Valley.