JAPAN AND CHINA.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13920, 3 June 1909, Page 5

JAPAN AND CHINA.

THE RAILWAY DISPUTE. ATTEMPT TO CREATE FRICTION. Press Assoeiatkm-By Telegraph-Copyright Received 30.25 p.m., Juno 2nd. LONDON, June 2.

The "Times*" regular correspondent at Pekuv and the " Times'" special correspondent, who were sent to Tokio jointly to investigate the Takuincn railway dispute, have lieen shown proofs that China rejected the conciliatory proposals before suggesting arbitration on Japan's proposals, whereon she is still prepared to resume negotiations which are intended to obviate the danger of an extension i.t the Takuincn line towards Tsitsihar; The "Times'" Tokio correspondent emphasises the anxiety displayed by the Japanese Ministers in tho course of this investigation to remove all misconceptions concerning the moderation and loyalty of the Japanese policy. He states—" Never during previous visits have I received more abundant proof of the value attached to British friendship, and the universal belief in the necessity of maintaining the Anglo-Japanese alliance. The Mikado confirmed these sentiments in granting audience to me and my Pekin colleague on the 29th." The "Times" declares that; Japan's right of veto of railways competing with the South Manchurian is indisputable. There is little doubt that one oF China's objects in handling' tho Manchurian questions is to create friction between Japan and tho other I'owers.

The "Times" adds—" By giving the Taluimen contract to a British firm when warned that the construction would violate the protocol of Dpcemher, 1905, Chinese statesmen hoped to emhroil us and onr allies. In this they were disappointed. Our alliance j>nd friendship with Japan are hased too firmly in the. interest of hoth countries to he seriously affected hy such transparent manoeuvres."