EASTERN QUESTION

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 301, 14 June 1898, Page 2

EASTERN QUESTION

RUSSIA OPPOSES JAPANESE RAILWAY. PORT ARTHUR TREATY. RUSSIAN DUPLICITY. CHINESE CONCESSIONS TO ENGLAND (RY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT). London, June 10. In the House of Commons, Mr Curzon, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, stated that if Russia sent troops to the Yang-tse Valley without obtaining the assent of China, it would be treated as an act of war. In such an evant, the Government would take the requisite steps. In referring to Port Arthur ani Ta-lien-wan, Mr Curzon said the British warships would continue to exercise treaty rights giving access to all Chinese ports.

London, Juno 10. The Times states that a convention has been signed by China, granting Britain a lease of the mainland behind Kowloo, opposite Hongkong. China retains the northern shores of Mirs Bay and Deep Bay ; but leases the waters of both bays, reserving to herself the right of entry for her own ships, whether for belligerent or neutral purposes. British jurisdiction is to be exercised over an area of 200 square miles. Londo'n, June 11. Russia has declined to permit the Japanese railway from Chemulpo to Seoul, on the ground that British capital is invested in the venture. London, June 11. The newspapers have published the text of the Russian-Chinese treaty with regard to Port Arthur. It states that the port is regarded as for the exclusive use of Rissian and Chinese warships, and be closed against foreign warships and merchantmen, while Port Ta-lien-wan will be exclusively reserved for Russian and Chinese warships. Mr Curzon states that the documents have not yet reaohed Lord Salisbury. The above contents arc deemed to explain Mr Curxon's remarks on Thursday, because the documents overrule Tiensien treaty.