RUSSIANS RELEASED

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12355, 27 January 1926, Page 7

RUSSIANS RELEASED

BY ORDER OF CHANG TSO-LIN CONFLICT NOW SEEMS UNLIKELY BOTH SIDES BLUFFING? By Telegraph^—Press Assn.—Copyright Reuter's Telegram. PEKING, January 25. The Soviet Consul-General at Mukden has telegraphed to M. Karakhan, Soviet Ambassador at Peking, stating chat Marshal Chang Tso-lin has ordered the release of M. Ivanoff, Russian general manager of the Chinese Eastern Railway, and all the Soviet officials and workmen arrested at Harbin. A private telegram from Harbin asserts that the Chinese are closing the frontier from Pogranit-chnaya to Manchui, in order to prevent the passage of Bed troops. ' It is reported that the Chinese authorities surrounded the Soviet Con-sulate-General in Harbin and removed a quantity of arms and documents. JAPAN WATCHING, TOKIO, January 25. Despite contrary rumours, the Foreign Office has stated (hat the Government does not intend to mediate in Harbin dispute, but will continue a policy of watchful waiting. .Though it regards the situation as delicate. It Is understood that the Government considers both parties are bluffing, and is therefore hopeful that hostilities will not break out. PLOT AGAINST JAPANf Australian and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, January 25. The "Daily Express” declares that a secret agreement between Russia and General Feng-Yu-hsiang to crush Chang Tso-lin, in order to minimise Japan's influence in Manchuria, lies behind the ultimatum crisis. The Russian plotters expected Chang to ignore the ultimatum, which would have given Russia a chance to step in and settle the disturbance in her own way. Thus, with Russia threatening Chang in the north, Feng would he enabled successfully to attack in the south, Japan would have no excuse to interfere, and Russia would thus increase her own and decrease Japan's influence in Manchuria. AGREEMENT SIGNED SETTLEMENT NOW ASSURED. Reuter’s Telegram. (Received January 26, 11.40 p.m.) MOSCOW, January 25. A semi-official message gives the text of an agreement signed by the Russian Consul-General at Mukden and the Chinese foreign commissar for the three eastern provinces, by which a peaceful settlement of the dispute regarding the Eastern Railway may be considered assured. The agreement provides for, the release of those arrested, and laye down conditions for the future administration of the line, including the transportation of armies.