THE CHINESE QUESTION

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 447, 13 June 1899, Page 2

THE CHINESE QUESTION

EXPLANATION IN PARLIAMENT [united press association], (by eleotbic telegraph—copyright). London, June 10. During the discussion on the Foreign Office vote, Sir Charles Dilke and Lord Charles Bereaford condemned the drifting policy pursued in regard to the East.

Mr Brodrick, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, replied that the Tientsin treaty had been upheld, and that no door had been closed to Britain. He held the view that China would not alienate the Yangtse province. The Government were despatching gunboats to Ichang to patrol the river and protect trade. They were also arranging to open inland ports, and were determined to hold China to her promise to permit the extension of the Burmah railway through Yunnan. He deprecated distrust of Russia, bat said it was difficult to acquiesce in the Pekin railway, which would give Russia a dominating influence in Pekin and precipitate the disintegration of China.

Sir Edward Grey congratulated Mr Brodrick on his definite and businesslike statement with regard to China. He hoped that the acts of the Russian and British Agents would correspond to the letter and spirit of the views of their respective Governments.