IN THE FAR EAST.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15901, 12 April 1912, Page 6

IN THE FAR EAST.

Javak’s demand for recognition of her “special interests in Manchuria'' may disturb, the international situation in the Far East. A month or two ago the United States Government, which is trying to play the part of a disinterested friend towards China, sent a Note to the Great Powers representing that the integrity of China ought to be preserved and suggesting that joint action should bo taken in the matter of loans to the new republic. Japan made a-iion-com-mittal roply and when the news came a little later that Russia was increasing her influence in the Chinese province of Mongolia the Japanese Ministry hinted broadly that their country must not be disregarded in the allocation of the spoils. The correspondent of the London “Times” at Tokio says that the Elder Statesmen, the curious feudal body that practically represents the power of the Throne, intervened with a view to giving a selfassertive turn to the policy of Japan. At any rate the Eastern Power became active, especially in financial matters, and one result was a remonstrance from Britain, which objected to Japanese money being advanced to China upon the security of the Shanghai-Ningpo railway. That particular loan proposal was withdrawn, but now, according to a cablegram, Japan asks for the exclusion of Manchuria from the operations of the international financial group. The admission of this claim will go far towards establishing a Japanese protectorate over a province that in name at least is still a part of China. It will be interesting to see wliat the reply df the United States will be.