THE RUSSIAN GRAB.

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

THE RUSSIAN GRAB.

CLAIM TO PARAMOUNTCY. A FRENCH, FOEECAST. BRITAIN AND GERMANY TO HOLD PECHILI. ■ EUROPEAN RESIDENTS AMAZED. q » 9 / [N.Z. Press Association. —Copyright.]

RUSSIAN CLAIMS TO PARAMOUNTCY. A FRENCH FORECAST. SAYS RUSSIA WILL OCCUPY PEKIN. EUROPEANS AMAZED. (Received September 5, 9.12 a.m.) LONDON, September 4. Lamsdorfe, in a circular to the Powers, • states that at the outset Russia laid clown principles for the guidance of the Allies, whereof all were agreed. This statement is interpreted as a Russian claim to paramountey in China. Great Britain awaits Sir Claude MaeDonalcVs report on the situation. PARIS, September 4. The newspaper "Debats" foresees it is Russia's intention, when the trans-Siberian railway is completed, to occupy Pekin alone. HONGKONG, September 5. Europeans here and at Shanghai are amazed at the suggested withdrawal of the Allies. They declare it will simply encourage the Chinese in a repetition of the horrible atrocities that preceded the Avar. Mr Rockhill, special American Commissioner in China, in the course of an interview at Shanghai, said the present was a beautiful occasion for enforcing a settlement ensuring the protection of foreigners' Jives and property. Difficulty is being experienced in communicating with Sir Claude I MacDonald,the British Ambassador, owing to messages being delayed.