AFFAIRS IN THE EAST.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1014, 6 October 1903, Page 3

AFFAIRS IN THE EAST.

i(Per R.M.S. Sonoma f at Auckland.) SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 17. News of Russia’s demands for the postponement of the evacuation of Manchuria was received with astonjshment and wrath in Japan. It is reported from London that 'Japan.ami Great Britain have exchanged views on the demands of Russia, and have decided to protest separately; to the Pek n Government against their acceptance. In case this should prove fruitless and Russia continues the occupation of Manchuria, Japan proposes to break oil negotiations with Russia for the definition of their respective rights in Manchuria and Corea, and to demand that the St, Petersburg Government order the evacuation of .Chinese territory; EVACUATION OF MANCHURIA. ;(Per R.M.S. Sonoma,• at Auckland.) San Francisco, Sept. 17.

Russia now proposes to China to evacuate Niouchwung and Mukden province on October 8, according to the agreement, but to evneuato Kirin province four months later, and the third province a 'yoar later. Russia also stipulates that she ohail maintain military posts at certain points, alleging that this is necessary to protect the commerce of the railroad There is also a vaguely-worded clause in the now proposal, prohibiting heavy duties on goods transported by railway. This diplomats construe into exempting Russian goods transported on the railway from the surtax, which Japanese and American troaties substituto for liken duties. Tho scheme also contains a provision that Chinese troops shall protect branches of tho Russo-Chinose bank whon necessary. Prince Cbing, President of the Foreign Board, has informod Ministers that be considers Russian conditions to be very reasonable. It is reported from Washington that the Russian request for time has not alarmed American officials, who bavo received sufficient assuranoes that Russia will leavo Manchuria by October 8, and who do not regard tho temporary bolding of other provinces as serious. " Wo cannot permit a postponement of evacuation,” a Japanese authority is quoted as saying, “ for Russia would utilise additional time to strengthen her fleet and army in the East. Already her naval tonnage there is equal to ours. Fublio sentiment in Japan is deeply Btirred by Russia’s failure to carry out her promisos to evacuate Manchuria, and demands the withdrawal of her troops on the date fixe d a year ago.”