THE FAR EAST.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5153, 21 December 1903, Page 5

THE FAR EAST.

CABLE NEWS.

UNITED PEESS ASSOCIATION. —EY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. —COPYRIGHT

' RELATIONS OF RUSSIA AND JAPAN. FEARS AT PEKIN OF HOSTILITIES. TOKIO, December 18. A conference of Japanese statesmen discussed Russia's reply to Japan’s recent communication. Hie reply was considered highly unsatisfactory, »¥ the conference determined to make another attempt to negotiate. The Japanese press insists that it is no use caking such measures and demands tho adoption of strong steps. LONDON. December 18: Tho Shanghai correspondent of‘the “Daily Telegraph” reports that the authorities at Pekin have directed high provincial officers to prepare for immediate hostilities, owing to the offensive action of Russia and her allies. Eacli province has boon ordered to send to Pekin a contingent of foroign-drillcd troops: Tlio underwriters arc charging 3s_9d to 5s per cent, to insure cargo in Japanese steamers to Japan, and Is 3d to 2s Gd in-English steamers. OMINOUS MESSAGES FROM PRESS CORRESPONDENTS. (Received December 20, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, December 19. Reuter’s correspondent at Tokio cables that tho situation is more threatening than ever. •Dr Morrison, “The Times” correspondent at Pekin, states that although it is known that the Russian reply to the Japanese is the irreducible minimum, it is unfavourable. Ho adds that delay is favourable to Russian intrigues at Pekin, where the Russians are striving by every means to induce China to legalise the situation in MaUchuria before the conclusion of negotiations with Japan. Tho correspondent of tho “Standard” at Tokio says:—lt is believed that Russia’s reply—coinciding with the arrival of tho latest addition ,to tho Russian fleet in the Far East and the completion of military preparations on land—virtually rejects the cardinal principles of the Japanese claims. If so, and Russia does not consent to reconsider her position, hostilities are well nigh inevitable.