RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7902, 30 July 1904, Page 5

RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

Russia's Indiscretion

Captured steamers to be

Eoleased.

Balfonr's'■ Unmistakeable

Firmness.

(Per Press Association—Copyright.) LONLON, July 29. The Hon. A. J. Balfour and iLorcl Lansdowne's statements showed that the Government took 'the strongest possible exception to the seizure of the Malacca, on the ground that no ship of war could issue •• from the Black Sea. Ifc was intolerable that an apparently peaceful .vessel should be transformed into a warship immediately it passed the Dardanelles. -Russia, without admitting' the general principle, met t Britain in regard to the-Malacca, -promising-, to release her as soon as orders could be conveyed to the prize. master. ■

The Malacca ia now I'eleJascd , ■and. flying, the British ■ flag. Another, result of the British representations was that Russia gave assurances that if the volunteer fleet made further captures before orders reached ; them, the sbips would be released, and, also, promised thafi( orders would be given to prevent recurrences of similar captures. Britain has been assured that the volunteer fleet will be withdrawn from the Red Sea.

Other serious questions touched on: by the Ministers v ' related to ■ the status of the yolunteer vessels and international engagements respecting the' Dardanelles..

Without saying so, the two Governments agreed to the general principle the British had not anticipated any practical violation. . '

■ British, views of tho case of tKe linig-ht Commander were'^that it -was infinitely the most' serious case, Britain holding that if, was not proper for the capliain of a cruiser to re-move-from a (nerchantman alleged contraband,, without the intervention of the Prize Court, otherwise the necessary foundations of equitable relations between"' belligerents amid neutrals were cut, at the root. The Binking.. of the Knjght Commander wiais a very serious breach of international law and was entirely' • coirtraiy to the accepted practice, of natibns. Britain made a strong remonstrance, accompanied,', 'by a request jfor tlra prevention ;of similar occurrences, and demanded the release o^ ihe British crew. Th^ British Government lias, a strong impression •that Russia will disavow tho conduct persons concerned in the outrage and. ■ will give orders' 'to prevent-its recur-'' rence. Unfortunately, however, the captain of a neutral ship ought" to sttop ' when summoned lojy a ■faleljpg'orent to! allow of aii* 'examination of her papers. The questioriV'vof 'compensation for the Knight Commander is still open. |■• •, Press-.; • comments on Sir1 'Balfcanr's •■ | unmistakeable firmness! .in; dealing! with Russia consider'■ that so'loh'gi asRussia practically respects interim--tional treaties it is" unnecessary . for Britain to insist on ai formal' renuin!ciation of the Russian contentions. I Sir". Thomas Sutherland, chairman: of the Peninsular Company, in a letter to The Times coimplains that Russia's definition ." of contraband in-, eludes practically everything that Brij tish ships carry in time of peace.