RUSSIA. FIGHTS SHY OF FRA.NCE

Otago Witness, Issue 2069, 19 October 1893, Page 18

RUSSIA. FIGHTS SHY OF FRA.NCE

It is officially denied, says a St. Petersburg despatch of September 18, that Russia intends to issue a 4 per cent, loan in France about the time that Russia's fleet visits Toulon. Reports are circulated in St. Petersburg to the effect that the Czar is displeased at the extra demonstrative manner in which it is proposed ti welcome the Russian officers and sailors who are to visit Paris, and an intimation of this description is said to have been unofficially communicated to the French Government. There are people who claim that the official denial of Government's intentions to issue a new loan ia due to an outcry against the loan, reminding people that a similar financial effort was attempted when the French were worked up to a pi^ch of enthusiasm by the visit ot the French squadron to Cronstadt, and tbat this killed all chance of the loan being successfully floated. This has created a coolness in certain quarters, and it is said also had an influence* in causing Russia to refuse an offer of France to give her a coaling and repairing station at Obock and Sargou, for Russia is not willing to be indebted to France to any greater extent than at present. The acceptance of too many concessions from France would place Russia in a position of almost being pbliged to support the former country in case of war. This, it is understood, Russia is not prepared to do. Ib is only under certain circumstances that Russia would side with France, and it is claimed that Russia desires this to be known as the real state of affairs.

The topic of absorbing public attention in Paris on September 16 was the visit of the Russian fleet to Toulon on October 13. French enthusiasm is unbounded, and the opportunity will be seized for a great national Russophile manifestation. All large towns are arranging to participate in the demonstration. It is proposed to flag the whole railway line, from Toulon to Paris,