THE FAR EAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12482, 28 January 1904, Page 5

THE FAR EAST.

JAPAN DESIRES AN EARLY REPLY.

MEDIATION SUGGESTED.

FRANCE WILLING TO ACT.

ATTITUDE OF ENGLAND AND

AMERICA.

PRESENT JUNCTURE NOT

OPPORTUNE.

RUSSIAN OFFICERS HASTEN-

ING TO THE EAST.

By Telegraph.— Association.— Copyright.

(Received January 28, 12.9 a.m.)

St. Petersburg, January 27. A hundred additional Russian naval officers are hastening to the Far East.

(Received January 27, 10.23 p.m.)

London, January 27.

Reuter's Agency at Tokio reports that on Wednesday the Japanese Government intimated to the Russian Minister that they desired an early reply. As their Note was sent to Russia on January 16 they consider sufficient time has elapsed for consideration.

Dr. Morrison, the Times' Pekin correspondent, states that Prince Ching, at Russia's instance, has asked the English and French Ministers .at Pekin whether England, France or America would mediate between Russia and Japan. M. Dubail replied that France was willing, with the assistance of England and America, to arrange a modus Vivendi. If this proved successful the Powers could then assist China towards an equitable agreement with Russia regarding Manchuria.

The English and American Ministers, acting in complete agreement, informed Prince Ching that it was difficult to make an offer to mediate at the present juncture to two Powers, neither of whom had openly invited mediation, while Japan had already intimated to the Powers that she could not accept mediation.

Dr. Morrison adds that Russia's suggestion strongly appeals to the Chinese.

London, January 26.

Two thousand Chinese troops, enlisted by Russia, deserted when they were ordered to Port Arthur.

The newspapers are hopeful that Count Lamsdorff's reascendancy will result ; n peace. They condemn the policy of bluff, for which M. Bezabrozoff and Admiral Alexeieff are responsible.