RUSSIA IN ASIA

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4296, 4 March 1901, Page 7

RUSSIA IN ASIA

According to the. Vienna, correspondent of the T/ondon “-Daily Telegraph,” StJ Petersburg has been at great pains to square her Asiatic neighbours. Here, in brief, ia the’statement of what Muscovite diplomacy has been able to accomplish; The Eusso-Chinese aggreement was concluded some time ago. Its chief outlines were settled with Li Hung Chang at the end of December, 1899. Russia had already at a time when not the slightest trace of any Chinese disorders was evident, concluded a number of agreements concerning Central Asia which paved the way for the present occupation. These treaties were:—(l) With the Emir of Bokhara; (2) with Emir of; Khiva;' aml (3) with the Shah of Persia. ' The treaty with the Emir of Bokhara; principally lays down the Emir’s obligations "in ease of necessity”—that is, in the event of Russia becoming involved in dif-. Acuities with any Power in Central Asia, to provide a military contingent corresponding to the state of the case, which shall form part of the Russian main ariny, the expenses incurred by the Emir to be refunded by Russia. The treaty with the Emir of Khiva, which was signed in July. 1900, at a time when, owing to Chinese affairs, it appeared probable that Russia would require to mobilise a considerable force, is drawnno on the same lines as that with Bokhara Both Emirs were considerably behindhand with the war indemnities incurred at the time of their sugjugation.; This was also why the Emir of Bokhara sent, in August, 1900, a suiu of 100,000 roubles to the Russian Red Cross, which furnished the society with the means for its great expedition to East Asia. The treaty between Russia and Persia, concluded at the end of December. 1839, presupposes the neutrality of Persia in the event of difficulties arising between Russia and any Power in Asia. Persia concedes permission, in case of extreme necessity, for the passage of Russian troocsthrough Perian territory, only making the reservation that Russia will he responsible for all injury which may accrue to Persia in consequence of such a step. While the Bokhara and Khiva treaties are so-called permanent treaties, the Persian convention allows one year’s notice of termination

The Russian press is again agitating for the adoption by Russia of definite steps for {Tie exploitation of Persia It is being represented as the sacred duty of the latter Power to provide better railway access to the territories of the Shah, and to facilitate the development of the mineral and other natural resources of Persia.