Britain Will Support Allies.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7905, 14 January 1904, Page 2

Britain Will Support Allies.

Bitten Against Britain.

TVoubSa About Treaties.

Press Association—Copyright. m, _. London. Tuesday. . ihe Premier, the Hon. A. J. Balfour,, in addressing his constituents, declined to discuss the possibilities of war beyond stating that Britain would fully carry out all her treaty obligations to her

Japan has ordered 115 centimetre Krupp howitzers for immediate delivery. Diplomatists in Berlin consider that Rn^i - is reluctant to fight, fearing that Bulgaria will try to emancipate herself, she having raised the Balkan question to an acute form to the advantage of Austria.

The Eussian newspapers are more bellicose and irritated at Japan's attitude, and declare that the moral responsibility for hostilities lies with Britain's diplomacy. They arc bitter against Britain for allowing Britishers to man the new Japauesee\var vessels Nisshiu and Kasuga. A Eussian warship at Bizerta has started for the Far East, and those at Suda Boy have gone to the Red Sea. The recently-purchased Japanese warships Nisshin and Kasuga, after heading for Port Said, were seen steaming towards Gibraltar.

America and Japan are feverishly striving at Pekin to secure their rights in Manchuria under the new commercial treaties before hostilities commence. The Times says the treaties entitle Japan and the other Powers to residence and equality of trade m Manchuria. Russia possibly permitted the Dowager - Empress to ratify the American-Japan-ese treaties as a golden bridge for a Russian retreat from an impossible position in Manchuria, and limiting the issue to Korea.

Sydney, Yesterday. The New South "Wales commerciel agent in the Far East advises that there is an inquiry for a. large quantity of the best Australian coal.