BRITAIN AND RUSSIA

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 429, 2 May 1899, Page 2

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA

AGREEMENT SIGNED. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION]. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT). London, April 29. The Morning Post states that the Anglo-Russian agreement has been signed. Russia undertakes not to obtain or assist others to obtain railway or other concessions in the Yangtse Valley, Britain giving a similar pledge in regard to Manchuria. Negotiations are proceeding with the view of settling disputes in regard to the Persian Gulf, Abyssinia and Afghanistan. Russia denies having secured Port Bandar Abbus, on the shores of the Persian Gulf. April 30. Speaking at a banquet at the Royal Academy, Lord Salisbury said that Britain had signed a gratifying agreement with Russia. Doubtless it 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 from time to time existed between Britain and the most important empire, Russia, it was a matter for congratulation. He further stated that the agreement which had been arranged respecting China was of such a natmre as would prevent the likelihood of a collision between our interests and our objects for the future. There was reason for congratulation that we had relations of amity with so many nations, the maintenance of which had been so long essential, and still our interests and honour had been preserved. That was the highest object to which a Minister of the Crown could look.