THE PROBLEM AT PEKIN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 211, 5 September 1900, Page 4

THE PROBLEM AT PEKIN.

We are indebted to French sources for the information that ltussia, France, Japan and America favour the withdrawal of the Allies from Pelrin, and that Grea,t Britain is not averse to the step. But until the news receives corroboration from the individual States .which are parties to the compact we cannot accept it as correct. It no doubt reflects the desire of Russia, in which France is perfectly willing- to acquiesce, but whether It expresses the intention of the other Powers is another matter. These latter cannot but regard vjith increasing- suspicion the policy of Russia in China, and in so far as that policy threatens to conflict with their own interests, they are not likely to assist it directly or indirectly. An important message in our cables to-night indicates that Russia considers she has paramount rights in China, and according- to one interpretation of her expressed Views, and that not an unfriendly one, she means eventually to occupy Pekin alone. The action of the Powers will depend on how far her present attitude in favour of a general evacuation of the Chinese capital seems dictated by the resolve to reenter it later on by herself. It must also depend on what are likely to be the immediate consequences of withdrawal. The Europeans in China appear to dread such a step, and predict the most dire results from it. Their views and fears in this respect are not to be ignored, though, of course, Russia and her friends will treat their apprehensions lightly. For probably nothing would suit the Muscovite programme better than a recrudescence of the present trouble, when Russia is at hand and ready to forestall interference by other Powers.