New-York tribune., 1901-04-06
RUSSIA EXPLAINS.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT MADE PTBLIC
IN ST. PETERSBURG.
DECLARATION OF INTENTIONS AS REGARD
MANCHURIA-wILLA AWAIT EVENTS.

DECLARATION OF INTENTIONS AS REGARDS
MANCHURIA-wILL AWAIT EVENTS
ST. Petersburg, April 5.-The Official Messen-
per' to-day publishes a detailed review of the
negotiations conducted by the allied powers with
the Chinese plenipotentiaries at Tien-Tsin and
Pekng. and Of the negotiations that led TO the
presentation of the French draft Of peace condi-
tfons, which consisted of twelve points but
which are not yet concluded. The Russian Gov
ernment then makes the following statement:
While anticipating an early settlement of the
questions affecting the mutual relations between
all the powers and China, the Russian Govern
ment. its part. considered it necessary to
concern itself with the establishment of a per-
rnanent order of things in the Chinese territories
along the borders of which the Russian Asiatic
possessions extend for a distance of eight thou
sand Versts (a..Soo miles). To this end. pro-
vfsional written conditions for a modus vivendi
were agreed upon first between the Russian
military authorities and the Chinese governors
Of three Manchurian provinces.
With reference to the institution Of local
civil administration. subsequently, and after a
careful consideration of all the circumstances.
the Russian Government drew up the draft of
a special agreement with China. providing for
the gradual evacuation of Manchuria as well
assure peace in that territory, and TO prevent
the recurrence OF events similar those of
last year Unfortunately. with the object of
stirring up public opinion against Russia. alarm
ist rUnors were circulated in the foreign press
Russian Government. Falsified texts of a treaty
establishing a protectorate over Manchuria
were quoted, and erroneous reports de
slgnedly spread OF an alleged agreement between
Russia and China. AS a matter of fact this
agreement was to serve basis for the
toration to China, as contemplated by the Rus
sian Government. of the province OF Manchuria,
which. IN consequence of the alarming events
Of last year. was occupied by Russian troops.
In order that the requisite military measures
might be taken, it was imperative that the ques
ton should be settled one way or the other. 1t
was impossible 10 lay down forthwith. by means
Of mutual agreement the conditions Of the
evacuation Of Manchuria. According TO the news
received, serious hindrances We're placed in the
way Of the conclusion Of such agreement,
and, in consequence its acceptance by China,
which was Indispensable for the gradual eVacu-
alton Of the province, proved TO be impossible.
AS regards the eventual restoration Of the prov
!nces China. 1t is manifest that such intention
can only be carried out when the normal situa-
ton is completely restored in the empire. and
the central government established at the cap
ital independent and strong enough to guarantee
Russia against a recurrence of the events Of last
year.
The Russian Government concludes its state
Inent respecting the Manchurian agreement in
these words:
While the Russian Government maintains its
present organization in Manchuria, to preserve
order in the vicinity of the broad frontiers OF
Russia and remains faithful to its original and
oft repeated political programme, IT will quietly
await the further course Of events.
<Ae PieNlousiy pointed out IN theSe olspatches,
Russia now blames the powers for China's re-
fusal TO accept the conditions of the evacuation
Of Manchuria, and calmly says she is in no
hurry and can await events The unbiased
opinion here is that Russia occupies an i'm
regnahle diplomatic position from which no
BODY can dislodge her. However warlike Japan
may feel, Russia is confident that no opportunity
Vii be given her to take the offensive without
placing herself in the wrong. AS far as can be
seen. japanese threats have not caused ripple
or excitement here.