THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11619, 5 April 1901, Page 5

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

THE MANCHURIAN TREATY.

INTERVIEW WITH LI HUNG

CHANG.

JAPAN'S ATTITUDE.

PROMISE TO SUPPORT CHINA, By Telegraph. Press Association—

London, April 3. In a conversation concerning the Manchurian Convention, Li Hung Chang told Dr. Morrison, the Times' Pekin ':. correspondent, that ; China could not dare to divulge its secret agreement with • Russia, neither would China dare to forbid the threatened annexation of Manchuria nor cancel conditional pledges. He was convinced the Convention would ultimately be signed. He treated the attitude of the Southern provinces with indifference. He concluded the interview by stating that a respite of 20 years would enable China to again become strong.

The New York Herald reports that Japan promised to , support China in not signing the Manchurian ? Convention.

The Morning Post states that the Japanese Minister at St. Petersburg protested against any coercion of China. . v ~ •.

The Tokio correspondent of the Times reports that Russia replied to the Japanese protests expressing unwillingness to discuss with a third Power a convention which was of a temporary character. The terms of the Convention would be published hereafter, and if objectionable, representations would then be possible.

President McKinley is pleased with the firmness of China in refusing to sign the Convention. Tokio, April 3. The President of the Japanese House of Peers, in a warlike speech, declared that Japan could easily expel Russia from Manchuria. (Received April 5, 1.13 a.m.) London, April 4. Dr. Morrison, the correspondent of the Times, states that the remarkable firmness of China is due to the initiative of the best progressive elements.. The signature of the Convention is unlikely, unless the demands are materially abated. * The New York Herald asserts that Japan ,given a written assurance to China that she will share with her the consequences following on not signing, even if it means war. A FOREIGN SETTLEMENT London, April 3. China has agreed that Killan Usu, in the Island of Amoy, should be converted into a foreign settlement on the model of Shanghai. ;