CHINA AND THE POWERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12267, 11 May 1903, Page 5

CHINA AND THE POWERS.

THE SITUATION SERIOUS.

MOVEMENTS OF RUSSIAN

TROOPS.

WARLIKE PREPARATIONS,,

ATTITUDE OF AMERICA.

JOINT ACTION WITH BRITAIN

SUGGESTED

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—

London, May B. Renter's Pekin correspondent states that a large force of Russians have reoccupied Niuchwang and garrisoned the ports at the mouth of the Liao River. (Received May 10, 4.30 p.m.) London, May 9. Russian troops from Niuchwang recently went to Port Arthur and stations along the railway line. A portion of them have now returned, bringing several large guns.. Others have been ordered to reoccupy Tienchwangtai. The Russians are constructing forts on the hills between Tianyung and Yalu, and have accumulated stores of coal, provisions and war material, and have bought many horses. There are indications of an increase in the forces in Manchuria, and there are now 14,000 between the mouth of the Liao River and Port. Arthur. Dr. Morrison, the Times' correspondent, asserts that China has instructed the Treaty Commissioners not to discuss with America the opening of new treaty ports because Russia forbids it, but China will tell the American and other Ministers that they never intended to open new ports.

The Daily Telegraph, commenting on Mr. Hay's policy of joint pacific pressure on Russia, declares that the latter considers the mobilisation of the Japanese fleet as sufficient warrant for her defensive attitude at Niuchwang. Mr. Hay does not share in that view.

The New York Times says Russia gives America a fair opportunity of underwriting the Anglo-Japanese al-

liance.

Router's Yokohama correspondent states that there are persistent reports that Russian detachments have entered Corea ostensibly to protect the lumber concessions. A large Russian force is approaching Wihu. The Corean Government is protesting against the invasion.

(Beeei-retl May 10, 4.35 p.m.)

London, May 9.

China latterly has been apparently willing, in connection with the American and Japanese projected commercial treaties, to open Mukden and Tatungan to foreign trade; but Russia's coup at Niuchwang will imperil the above treaties.

Mr. Hay, considering that America is directly interested, and learning officially of the increased garrison at Niuchwang, has asked President Roosevelt to authorise America to take joint action with Britain and Japan to compel the evacuation of Manchuria without committing America to a formal alliance.

The reoccupation of Niuchwang is interpreted at Washington as an attempt to secure the monopoly of the sea entries to Manchuria, and is interpreted at Pekin as a reply to China's rejection of the Russian conditions of evacuation ; also as an intimation to the world of Russia's i-eadiness to fight to maintain possession of Manchuria. The temporary withdrawal was merely a feint, awaiting the approach of the Russian squadron.

Russia has established a Consulate at Mukden.

Diplomatists at Pakin were astonished to learn on Thursday that although there is plenty of available land at Niuchwang Russians had taken charge of a tract across the river commanding the terminus of the Shanhaikwan railway, ostensibly for the purposes of a drill ground.