CABLE NEWS. THE EASTERN CRISIS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 7873, 7 January 1904, Page 3

CABLE NEWS.

THE EASTERN CRISIS.

Per i»ress Asalciation.— By Electric Telegi^h.— Copyright.

BRItIBH TAiS CHARGE OP JAPAN-SSi 080-BEBB. THE FBENOH & G AINST INTERFEIpNOE. , (By Telegrap-Oopyright.) Received 7, 8 57 n.mi LCwDON, Jannary 6. British naval reef!"** 3 aDd teii officers 'have left London fpor Genoa to take Japanese croisus I Yokohama, under the command of Admiral Malbon. Public opinion », France w ngainst FreDob intervnntio| in the event of China joioiog Japan£ The St. JumesVlGazßtte urges the policing of Chintsi! ports, and in the event of war "be worf should beemrueted to the United Statesjod America. AN AUSTRAfIAN'S VIEW. Received; 7, xo.ii.jMn. I\f_?l3OUßffE, January 7. Mr Crouch, a federal member, in a speech at Queensclifie, declared that if Japan w*re victorious it would imperil a Australia, and might pave( the way for Oriental dominance of the Southern East. During t_e recent visit of Japanese warships the officers had become acquainted with the weakness of Australia's defence, and; one of th». visitors told an officer j something in regard to the fort I which is regarded' as a strict official secret.

Sit Malcolm McEacberit, Ja-j panesc Consul, discredits Mr ' Crouch's,statements. and says that Russia's triumph would mare likely injure British prestige in India and throughout the East, and therefore, be more likely lo menace Australia. He was not aware of any secrets about our forts, and if a Japanese officer did learn one he was exttcmely unlikely to reveal . the fact. *