CABLE NEWS.

Evening Post, Volume LIV, Issue 151, 23 December 1897, Page 5

CABLE NEWS.

[BY IaiiCTUIU TKLISOHAI'H. — COPYBIQHT.] + THE NEW STIR IN THE FAR EAST. ♦ THE TIMES ADVISES FIRM ACTION BY BRITAIN. [PBESS ASSOCIATION.] London, 21st December. The Times, commenting on the situation in China, says it is clear that the occupation of Kiiio-ohim by Germany and Port Arthur by Russia is the result of a preliminary understanding between the two nationß, and adds that if it cau bo shown that Great Britain's commercial and political interests 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 Prance prevents the annexing of Chilian, the navy must discover in South China a base equally suitable as Shanghai for the defence of British commerce. The St. Petersburg correspondent of The Times 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. Berlin, 21st December. The Cologne newspaper, Kolnische Zeitung, says that the partition of China has commenced, and other Powers will soon act. Pabig, 21st December. It is stated that the French Government will remain passive with regard to the present international development in China, provided no aggressive movement it made in Southern China. A French cruiser has been sent to Hongkong.