A CHINESE RAILWAY TROUBLE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7812, 3 June 1909, Page 2

A CHINESE RAILWAY TROUBLE.

JAPANESE LOYALTY^TO BRITAIN.

Per Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, June 2. The regular correspondent of the Times'-at Pekin and a special correspondent sent by the Times to Tokio jointly investigated the Fakumen railway dispute. They were shown proofs that China had rejected conciliatory proposals before suggesting arbitration. Japan's proposals, on the basis of which she was still prepared to-re-sume negotiations, were intended to obviate the danger of extension of the Faknmen line towards Tsitsihar. The Tokia correspondent dwells on the anxiety displayed by Japanese Ministers m the course of this investigation to remove all misconception! concerning the moderation and loyalty of the Japanese policy. He says " NeY«.r cluring previous visits have I received more abundant proof of the value attached to British friendship and the; universal belief m the necessity for maintaining the Anglo-Japan-ese alliance. The Mikado confirmed these sentiments m. granting an audience to me and. my Pekin colleague* on May 29." ■ The Times declares that Japan's right of veto of railways competing with tb,e South Manchnrian Railway is indisputable. There is little doubt that one. of China's objects m handling Manchurian questions is to create friction between Japan and. other Powers. The Times adds: .'■'.' By giving the l<akumeu contract to a British firm, when warned that the construction would violate the protocol of December, 1905, Chinese statesmen hoped to> embroil us,and our allies. In this they are disappointed. Our alliance and friendship, with Japan' are based too firmly on the interest of both countries tft be seriously affected by such transparent manoeuvres."