The Far East.

Opunake Times, Volume VII, Issue 345, 31 December 1897, Page 2

The Far East.

Sydney, December 27. • The Hong Kong daily papers of December 2nd contain an unofficial statement that Russia, Germany and France have agreed upon a policy of territorial aggrandisement in China under which Germany is to retain Kiao-chau and eventually annex the whole of the Shantung province, France is to have Formosa and the Fokien province, and Russia is to annex Corea and Manchuria and the whole of the north-eastern portion of China as far as the Shantung border. There is considerable adverse comment on the action of the Minister of Agriculture in observing secrecy in connection with the supply of frozen meat to Russia. It is considered that he should, at least, have first consulted the military authorities. The Military Commandant, however, sees no objection, as Russia must be considered a friendly Power, and the Government is only acting as commercial agent in extending the trade of the colony. The Russian Consul is surprised that he has received no communication on the matter, and says the Russian Government is probably acting on behalf of some agent negotiating for supplies of meat. St. Petersburg, December 28. Reuter’s telegram from St. Petersburg states that Russia has occupied Kiachan, a town of Manchuria on the shores of the Gulf of Liaotong. Sydney, December 29. Eastern news reports that a body of 1000 bandits raided the Haifoug district in-China and sacked a town, killing 24 men, two women and four children. Tokio, December 29. Attempts to reform the Japanese Cabinet have failed. The newspapers demand the formation of a strong ministry in order to meet the gravity of the situation. Marquis Ito and Count Okuma, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, are likely to form a Coalition Ministry on a basis of vigorous foreign policy. Great naval activity is manifest at Ngaski. Shanghai, December 29. The British fleet has anchored in Port Sayiton. Berlin, December 29. The German withdrawal from Kiaachou is made conditional on a suitable naval station being found for her elsewhere. St. Petersburg, December 29. The armored cruiser Vladimir Monomach has been ordered to proceed to China. Washington, December 29. Cruisers are being prepared to reinforce the China squadron. Paris, December 29. Russian and French negotiations for the six million indemnity loan to secure the evacuation of Weihaiwei by Japan have been suspended owing to the French demanding that their bank should head the loan. Russia intends to occupy Weihaiwei.