RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVII, Issue 8562, 17 August 1904, Page 1

RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR

[By Electric Telegraph.—Coi'TKionT.] (Per Press Association.) Received August 16, at 11.5 p.m. London, August 15. An official report published at Tokio states that Admiral Kamimura. on Sunday mot- the Vladivostock squadron steaming southward. We obstructed, and lighting commenced. All the enemy's ships caught fire several times from our shells, and suffered severely, especially the Rurik. The enemy fled at full speed north, leaving the Rurik, which afterwards sank, thereupon our whole squadron hastened to lie!]) the drowning Russians, 600 of whom were rescued. The St. Petersburg newspapers have not been informed of the result of Ka'.-.ihnura's battle. Admiral Wirenius, in an interview, declared that Russia was tho victim of traitors or spies. The Japanese had admirably equipped spies amongst the Russians, and were informed beforehand of the naval sorties. The impression prevails at Kin-chau that the Pallada. and Diana- have Touched Vladivostock, while at Tokio it is believed tliat the Pallada and Novik arc off tho Yangtze and the Diana at Port Arthur. The attack by land and sea. at Port Arthur is proceeding. Tho Japanese have occupied the hills from one to three miles north of the town. Received August- 16, at 11.11 p.m. London, August- 15. Russia's reply to Lord Lanr.downe's com inr.-n.icatkm as regards the Knight Commander is not- amicable, and the Cabinet and law officers arc discussing the Russian note. Russia, charges China with complicity in the Rechtelni incident, and says she is guilty of cowardice or treason. She demands severe punishment, and also the restoration of the destroyer. China has demanded the Japanese to return the Rechtelni. German insurers arc asking less than half tho premium demanded in Great Britain for vessels going to the Far Fast. Received August 17, at 0.36 a.m. London, August 15. Tho Berlin Pest is authorised to state that probably Germany will shortly issue instructions as to how belligerents are to be treated when calling at neutral ports. Captain Truppal, Governor of Kaiochau, has promised the Japanese authorities that the Russian destroyers will not be allowed to depart simultaneously, but will be allowed to go snigly at an interval of six hours. There are indications that, if they are repaired, the cruisers and destroyers will be dismantled owing to the vastly superior Japanese force outside.