THE IRREDUCIBLE MINIMUM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7890, 21 December 1903, Page 3

THE IRREDUCIBLE MINIMUM.

RUSSIA'S REPLY. w Undfced Piess Association— By Eleotrio Telegraph— Copyright. (Received Deoember 21, 8.56 a.m.) BERLIN, December 20. The St Petersburg correspondent of the " Kolnischo Zcitung," says that Japan's irreducible minimum was a demand for the recognition of her protectorate over Korea and her right to exercise influence on the policy of Korea. The Japanese would then recognise commercial treaties between Russia atfd Korea, and Russia's concessions on the Yalu, while Russia would receive all the trade fights which Japan and Korea might agree to grant to Other States.' Russia, replying to these demands* wob , prepared, despite the disapprobation of Admirai Alexieff, to recognise tho protectorate of Japan over Korea, but claimed the right to establish'fortified bases at Mosampho and Mokpho, with unrestricted freedom of trade. * The Czar is opposed to war, while Count Lamsdorff i 3 hopeful that an understanding will be arrived at. General BeSodrasoff, however, favours an appeal to arms.