New-York tribune., 1903-07-21
DENIED By COUNT CASSINI
He Says He Made No Arrangem
for Opening ManChurian Ports.

Paris. July 2O.-A representative Of The As
sociated Press has had interview with Count
Cassiui. the Russian Ambassador to the Unitsd
States. who is here with his daughter. spending
part of his leave Of absence. He said:
1t is not correct, as cabled. that arranged
with Secretary Hay before my departure. the
question of open ports in ManchUrta- 1t is True
that Mr. Hay called on me on June y. but IL
a friendly visit and entirely unofficial Tha
MancnuTian ports mentioned during our
conversation, but no definite arrangement was
completed. The conversation was quite cordial
courteous and friendly; but Il did not 90 beyond
that I expect however. that mutually salts
factory understanding regarding Manchurian
questions will eventually be reached between
the two governments But I repeat no such
arrangement has been made by me What has
been done by the charge d affaires since my
departure fourteen days ago. do not know.
Regarding the Israelite petition. the United
States Government already knew that such a
petition would not be received No such Pc
tttiOn would be received by any independent
State. The United States. first OF all would not
consent TO any foreign interference in its doTnes
tie affairs Beyond this. do not know anything
about the matter. My relations with the
United States Government have always been
pleasant and cordial during my long stay at
Washington My present absence from my post
is due to the fact that I am taking a much
needed holiday. I did not see the President be-
fore my departure as he was absent from
Washington 1 saw Mr.. Hay. stated. but
interview was not official, but 1t was extremely
pleasant.
expect to return to my post as soon as my
leave expires, which VIII be in three months.
Count Cassini will remain here ten days longer
and viii then go to St. Petersburg.
Washington. July 2o.-In a conversation at the
Russian Embassy on the afternoon OF June =. with
a representative OF The Associated Press. Count
Cassini referred TO the call OF Secretary Hay the
day previous and expressed his qualification a
its results The Ambassador, in reply to the ques-
ton TO whether Manchuria under discus
sion at the call replied in the affirmative. saying
he had assured Mr.. Hay that Russia would execute
to the letter her pledges in ManChuria. and at the
proper time would cOnCede certain ports The Am
bassador then recalled the conversation between
himself and the Secretary pointing that while
no agreement had been reached to which ports
should be opened. the broad understanding was ar
rived that Russia should give the United States
what she had asked for To this II was said. NJ
Hay expressed his satisfaction. and as he was
leaving the embassy Count Cassini said that he
hoped an announcement 10 the world OF the exact
ports which would be opened would be possible IN
a few weeks
Ii is believed here that the point the ArnhassadOr
is endeavoring 10 make is that the general under
standing reached between himself and Secretary
Hay at the conference on June > did not specify
the ports to opened. which at that time had not
been decided upon Moreover, when the Anbas-
sadOr saws no definite agreement had been reached,
II is assumed that he refers 10 the fact that no
written exchanges passed between Secretary Hay
and himself that time