THE EASTERN SITUATION.

Hastings Standard, Issue 511, 28 December 1897, Page 3

THE EASTERN SITUATION.

LATEST PARTICULARS. (Per Press Association. —Copyright.) Paris, Dec. 24. France is sending a cruiser to China. Berlin, Dec. 24. The newspapers refer to the inferiority of the German squadron compared with the British fleet in Eastern Asia. The Cologne Gazette says that an open resistance to Germany's action in China would mean immediate Russian help for Germany. Tokio, Dec. 27. The Mikado in a speech at the opening of the Japanese Diet said that the relations with all the powers were of a friendly character. Shanghai, Dec. 27. China declares that if the Hong Kong Bank insists on likin, or Customs duties, being placed under foreign control, she would prefer to raise a Russian loan of 100,000,000 taels on the security of her railways and mines north of the Great "Wall, and would also divert her commerce to the advantage of Russia. Sydxey, Dec. 25. In connection with the cable announcing that Russia was obtaining large supplies of canned meat and fruits for Vladivostock, the Russian Government has for some weeks been in communication with New South Wales with the view of obtaining 700 tons of frozen meat to be delivered at Vladivostock during the next twelve months. The Minister of Agriculture, after arranging with several exporters, cabled Russia the terms upon which the meat could be supplied, but has not yet received a reply. Dec. 27. Considerable adverse comment is being made at the action of the Minister of Agriculture in observing secrecy in connection with the supply of frozen meat to Russia. It is considered that the Minister should at least have first consulted the military authorities. The Military Commandant, however, sees no objection. Russia must be considered a friendly Power, and the Government was only acting as commercial agents in extending the trade of the colony. The Russian Consulis surprised that he has received no communication on the matter. He * suggests that the Russian Govermneni are acting probably for some enterprising private agent, negotiating for supplies of meat.

The Hong Kong daily Press of December 2nd contains an unofficial statement that Kussia and Germany and France have agreed upon a policy of territorial aggrandisement in China, under which Germany is to retain Kaio Chow, and eventually annex the whole of the Shiantung province. France to have Foi'mosa and the Forkien province, and Russfa annexes Corea and Manchuria, and the whole of the northeastern portion of China as far as the Bbiactuag border,