RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 12635, 21 December 1903, Page 3

RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

CABLEGRAMS.. [PEE PBE33 ASSOCIATION. —COPTEIGHIJ

LONDON. December 18. Advice from Tokio states that a conference of Japanese statesmen discussed Russia’s reply to Japan’s note. The reply was considered to be highly unsatisfactory, and it was determined to make another attempt to negotiate. The Japanese press insist that it is of no use to take such action, and they demand the adoption of strong measures. Underwriters are charging 3s 9d to 5s per cent to insure cargo in Japanese steamers to Japan, and Is 3d to 2s 6d in English steamers. THE LATEST. (Received December 20, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, December 19. Reuter’s Tokio correspondent cables that the situation is more threatening than ever. Dr Morrison, correspondent of the “Times,” states that although it is known that the Russian reply to the Japanese irreducible minimum is unfavourable, the French Minister, eschewing official declarations in Paris, asserts that negotiations give promise of peace. Dr Morrison says that the delay is favourable to Russian intrigues in Pekin. The Russians are striving by every means to induce the Chinese authorities to legalise the situation in Manchuria before the conclusioit of negotiations with Japan. The “Standard’s” Tokio correspondent asserts that it is believed that a reply, coinciding with the arrival of the latest addition to the Russian fleet in the Far East, and the completion of military preparations *on land, virtually rejects the cardinal principles of the Japanese claims. If this is so, and Russia- does not consent to reconsider her position, hostilities will be wellnigh inevitable.