WHAT WILL FRANCE DO?

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 35, 10 February 1904, Page 2

WHAT WILL FRANCE DO?

NOT ANXIOUS TO BE EMBROILED. (By Mail.) PARIS. January 20. There is strong reason to believe that exchanges of communications are now going on between France and Russia concerning the position Russia will finally adopt in response to the last Japanese note. Long conferences between Foreign Minister Delcasse and M. Nelidoff. the Russian Ambassador, are being held almost daily. Prior to these Russia had not consulted France, nnd M. Nelidoff went to Cannes for an extended stay, telling- his diplomatic colleagues that be happily had no part in the Russo Japanese negotiations. Following the presentation of Japan's last demands. M. Nelidoff gave up his vacation and began frequent conferences with M. Delcasse. It is expected that the exchange of views will exert a strong influence in shaping the course Russia will adopt Among the officials and diplomats it is understood here that the'exchanges will have the following results: First. Russia, appreciating the decisive nature of the issues presented in Japan's last note, desires to secure the advice ■of her nearest political friend: and. second, France wishes to exercise her influence to prevent a war in which she might become embroiled. More particularly, France has begun to realise that she ought to be consulted concerning Russia's course in China, as Russia and France jointly promulgated the note of March 19. 1902. and setting forth that they would act together concerning the integrity and free development of China. Concerning Russia's wish to consult France, it is said that the Russian Foreign Minister. Count Liimsdorff has a high regard for M. Delcasse's prudence in the difficult situation. One of the most prominent diplomats said to-day that Count Lamsdo-ff's taskin answering the Japanese note is one of the most difficult he ever observed, owing to Russia's dilemma due to her determination to firmly maintain her position and at the same time comply with the Czar's desire for peace. M. Delcasse's talks with members of tSx 1 diplomatic corps during the last few days revealed his extreme desire for the maintenance of peace, and his advice to i Russia undoubtedly followed the same lines. It is the general impression here that if war breaks out the best diplomacy may not succeed in keeping France oiit of the imbroglio. Therefore M. Uelea_.se, considering the self-interests of Fmnce

as well as tne Franco-Russian note of 1902, is counselling peaceful adjustment BERLIN, January 20. The German Government has become privy to the fact that France declines to give Russia any assurances ol armed help should war be the outcome of the Far Eastern differences, even if Great Britain aid Japan, it is understood here that Russia asked France define her position in the contingency of Great Britain actively participating in a Japanese attack on Russia, and that the French Government replied that France must remain-a military neutral, as the Russian-French Alliance was quite separate from, the question now pending. This resolution of France, it is believed here, deeply affects not only the situation between Russia and Japan but the Franco-Russian Alliance.