The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1902-02-14
PACT DISCUSSED IN COMMONS.
Treaty includes Msnchuria Government's
Policy Attacked.

Policy ATTACKED.
Special caas Dsspafeh 10 TIE SUN.
LONDON, Feb. 13~.-Replying TO a question
by Mr.. Henry Norman, member for South
Wo~lverhampton. In the House OF Commons
to-day, Visoount ~Cranborns, Under Sec
rotary for Foreign Affairs. aid that the
substance of the Anglo-Jspanese agree
ment had been communicated to the United
States. which had not yet expressed an
opinion on il.
In reply to a further question as to whether
the alliance applied TO Manchuria M it's
occupation by Russia and whether the
agreement had received the adhesion Of
the German Government. Vlscount Gran
borne said that Manchuria was no more
excluded than any other province In China.
The substance OF the agreement had been
communicated to Germany.
Mr.. Henry Norman moved the adjourn
ment Of the House, a technical formality
arording the opportunity Of discussing
the treaty.
Mr.. Norman wanted TO know what Great
Britain was committed. He said APP
parently the British policy was tied hard
| and fast to the wheels of Japan. and Great
Britain might be forced into war in direct
opposition TO her interests. The treaty
was evidently directed against Russia.
Mr.. Norman asked il the Government
had tried to oome TO terms with Russia In
regard TO Manchuria. II not Russia might
claim that Great Britain was going about
seeking allies against her.
Lord ~Cranborne, replying on behalf
of the Government. said that the agree
ment had not been arrived at in haste.
The origin was In the Governments desire
to maintain the status quo. the open door,
and the integrity Of China Almost every
other Power had accepted these as prin-
ciples of policy and Japan had done 40
especially in view Of her position In Corea.
which they recognized.
with regard TO China we have worked on
the most cordial terms with the United
States. lCheers.l I think I might say
that in almost every crisis and in every
small difficulty that has arisen during the
negotiations In Pekin the representative
Of the United States and the representative
Of this country have nearly always acted
together. [Cheers.l No doubt in this
agreement we will command the full APP
proval of the Government Of the United
States"
Lord Cranborne declared that the con-
TTHtllnK Wpi ould W uIlbrl
mutual defence only when danger was
due TO the aggression of others. Tn Power
called upon 70 help the other must he the
Judge whether the conditions Of the treaty
had besn fulfilled.
Sir William Vernon Ha rcourt said he was
not satisfied with the Governments assur-
ances. especially its motives for concluding
the treaty. What was the sta tus quo In
- T. -..I- NN--ll -
what II Japan were attacked by a great,
overwhelming single Power? Was there
no obligation 70 prevent her being crushed
by a single Power'
Moreover, II there was a Far Eastern
Wal II would not be confined to China and
the China seas. They would proba bly, be
faced by opponents capeble OF pouring
unlimited forces into Persia and Afghan
i.tan and across the Indian frontier. con-
seouently. the Government was sta king
upon the throw of dice the peace and the
future OF India. The allied fleets would
be engaged in the Mediterranean and
Baltic as well as In the China secs.
Was not the Government, he asked.
undertaking such a responsibility lightly.
At a time whom it was piling up million, Of
debt. when II was compelled to sea rob
throughout ths British Possessions 20
str.ngtheu rs army, when h had actually
depleted the defences Of India 10 get more
troops, IL ought TO nave had much further
information respecting the operations Of
the treaty and the perils it might involve.
The treaty embodied a policy that was
CONTRARY 20 the wholesome traditions OF
Great Britain for nearly a century. These
had suddenly been abandoned TO embark
"a -.