The Far East.

Manawatu Herald, 30 January 1904, Page 2

The Far East.

J APAN WANTS A REPL

One hundred additional Russian naval officers are hastening to the Far East.

Reuter’s Agency at Tokio reports * that on Wednesday the Japanese Government intimated to the Russian Minister that the Government desired an early reply. Since the Note was sent to Russia on the 16th it is considered a sufficient time has elapsed for its consideration. Dr Morrison, the London Times* correspondent in China, states that Prince Ghing, at Russia’s instance, asked the English and French Ministers at Pekin whether England, France and America would mediate between Russia and Japan, The French Minister replied that France was willing, with-the assistance of England and America, to arrange a modus vivendi, and if successful the Powers could then assist China towards obtaining an equitable agreement with Russia regarding Manchuria. The English and American Ministers, acting in complete agreement, informed Ching that it was difficult to make an offer to mediate at the present juncture with the two Powers, neither of whom openly invite mediation, while Japan had already intimated to the Powers that she cannot accept mediation, RUSSIAN AND JAPANESE DEMANDS.

Russia desires a guarantee that Japan will not fortify the parts of Southern Korea, while Japan requires a guarantee regarding the recognition of the Chinese sovereignty over Manchuria. Russia declines to give formal stipulation respecting Manchuria. STOCK OF MEDICINE.

Japan is laying in large stocks of medicines, recent purchase® of which are valued at £IO,OOO. ARBITRARY ACTION BY RUSSIA.

Admiral Alexieff, the Russian Viceroy, ousted from the Native Customs Department at Nieuchwang Sir Robert Hart’s Russian nominee who was appointed at the outset, installing a Government official from Dalny. The concensus of correspondents 1 opinion is that Russia’s altitude to Japan is influenced by reports submitted to the Czar serious unpreparedness of the fflMs aod the effect of war on Russia’s internal condition. The Czar recognises that Russia is experiencing her moat formidable an cnfl WAR NEARER. Russian military opinion does not? believe that Count Lamsdorf has seriously undermined the impression made by Admiral Alexieff at St. Petersburg, and that war is appreciably nearer. The Grand Dubes are combating the Czar’s desire for peace. They declare that Russian prestige will not permit concessions being made to Japan’s impertinent demands. It is expected Russia’s reply will be ready by the 31st inst. Japan is not expected to move till her new cruisers reach Singapore, except to prevent any attempt of the Port Arthur and Vladivostok squadrons uniting.