RUSSIA AND JAPAN

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 304, 22 December 1903, Page 5

RUSSIA AND JAPAN

THE SITUATION GRAVE. Russia Strengthening Her Eastern Fleet. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, December 21. The Japanese Legation officials at Pekin recognise that a grave crisis is approaching. The Japanese Military Attache at Pekin, also a colonel of the Japanese army, who is instructing the Yuanshikais (Chinese) troops, has started homewards.

Sir E. M. Satow, the British Minister at Fekin, is inquiring into ttie origin of a circumstantial report published in the Chinese native newspapers that Britain, in the event of Russia retaining Mauchuria, proposes to establish a protectorate over the Yang-tse-Kiang Valley, and appoint a viceroy to maintain a prestige equalling that of Russia. The report has excited a feeling of hostility towards Great Britain. An unfriendly source is suspected. Japanese officers are instructing Chinese Imperial troops at Paoting-fu-Chengyi. ST. PETERSBURG. Dec. 21. Admiral Wirensus, with the first-class battleship Oslyabya, the second-class cruisers Aurora and Doiteridoinakov, and five destroyers are at Bizerta. in the Mediterranean Seas. and will shortly be reinforced by six destroyers. The admiral and his fleet will then proceed lo the Far East. Four firstclass battleships are nearlng completion in the J-Jaklc. LONDON, December 21. The ''Times'" Tokio correspondent says it is understood that Japan asks Russia to reconsider her reply, which contains no tangible concession, and excludes Japan from Manchuria. Japan proposes the equal position of the two Powers in C'orea. BERLIN, December 21. (Serious doubts are cast upon the authenticity of the "Kolnische ZeitungV' story as to the demands of Japan and Russia's reply. JAPANESE RESERVE WARNED. BENNETT BURLEIGH'S VIEWS. London Papers Thinks Japan. Will Strike Before the Russian Fleet Xβ Strengthened „ (Received 9.11 a.m.) LONDON', December 21. Advices fom Ngasaki state that the Japanese army reserve has been warned to be in readiness.

Mr. Bennett Burleigh, the well-known war correspondent, states that tile Russians are more nervous of the power of the Japanese fleet and of China's possible attitude than of the attitude of Britain.

Mr. Burleigh states that not half of tlit! positions at Port Arthur are provided with guns. The impression at Port Arthur is that there will be no war before the spring.

'"St. James' Gazette" expresses the opinion that Japan is certain to strike before the Russian squadron from Bizertu. in the Mediterranean, reaches Port Arthur.