CHINA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 298, 23 December 1897, Page 9

CHINA.

BEING DISMEMBERED BY EURO-

PEAN POWERS.

OPINIONS OF THE "TIMES."

BERLIN, December 22.

The Cologne newspaper " Kolnische Zeitung" says the partition of China has commenced, and the other Powers will soon act.

LONDON, December 22.

The " Times," commenting on the situation in China, says it is clear' that the occupation of Kiao-Chau by Germany, and Port Arthur by Russia, is the result of a preliminary understanding between the two nations, and adds if it can be shown that Great Britain's commercial and political interest in China will be injuriously affected by the recent developments, it is necessary that no time should be lost in preparing to take a firm course of action. Great Britain's trade and interests in China enormously outweigh those of all the other nations put together. If any agreement with France prevents the annexing of Chusan, tbe navy must discover in South China a base equally suitable as Shanghai for the defence of British commerce.

The " Times'" St. Petersburg correspondent states that the Russian Foreign Office sent private circulars to the editors of the newspapers directing them to avoid showing an unfriendly tone towards Germany's action in China. The circular stated that the sending of a Russian squadron to Port Arthur had no political significance

PARIS, December 22.

It is stated that the French Government will remain passive with regard to the present international developments in China, provided no aggressive movement is made in Southern China. A French cruiser has been sent to Hongkong. BRITAIN DEMANDS A QUID PRO QUO.

LONDON, December 22.

A Router's telegram from Pekin states Great Britain demands a quid pro quo if China grants concessions to other Powers.