Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-21
CONFERENCE TODAY.
No Infringement of Rights Intended
by Russia.

LONDON, July 21.-The Associated Press
learns that Count Benckendorff, the Rus
sian ambassador. at conference with For
eign Secretary Lansdowne, yesterday after
noon, made what may be considered 10 De
a preliminary reply to the British protest
against the seizure of the steamer Malacca.
He assured the foreign secretary that his
government had no Intention OF infringing
on the rights of Great Britain, or any other
neutral power, and that If mistake had
been made in the seizure of the Malacca.
Enthusiastically the steamer will Immediate
ly be restored and damages would be paid
The ambassador pointed out that II was
unreasonable to suppose that the Malacca
had been seized without the commander OF
the St. Petersburg having good grounds TO
believe that she had contraband on board.
Unless this suspicion is effectually dis
proved the matter will have to go before
prize court. which procedure Great Britain
herself follows
Russia Investigating.
In the meantime Russia will make full
investigation in order to establish definitely
the grounds which the commander
acted. The ambassador also informed Lord
Lansdowne that he had telegraphed the
British protest to st. Petersburg. and said
it would receive the immediate attention of
the emperor and Count Lamsdorff. Subse-
Quently Count Benckendorff informed Lord
Lansdowne that inquiries were at once be-
gun, and that prompt reply would be
made.
There is reason to believe that the Rus
sian authorities incline to the conclusion
that the commander of the st. Petersburg
made grave mistake in Selling the Malac-
ca. This can be esta blished by his reports,
which have been telegrapned for and If
this opinion is confirmed orders will be
telegraphed to release the Malacca.
With respect to the question of the pas
sage of the Dardanelles which Great
Britain has also raised. 1t is said here
that both the British and Russian diplo-
mats hold the view that this does not de-
mand the immediate attention which the
Malacca incident requires. 1t Is pointed
out here that the Russian position gen.
orally is as follows:
Warships Prohibited
The treaties regarding the Dardanelles
prohibit the passage of the straits by
warships. Russia has no intention of
violating this provision, and has not
asked Turkey TO do So But the treaties
do not forbid ships from traversing the
straits with arms and munitions. Turkey
or any other power has nothing to say
consequently about the armament of
ships after their passage through the
straits Russia holds that not word
in the treaties forbids action such as
taken by the St Petersburg and Smo-
lensk
Russia 1t is clearly made known at the
Foreign office, desires that the whole sub
3ect shall be treated in the most friendly
spirit, believing that thereby a solution
Will be reached satisfactory to both DOW
ers.
In reply to Great Britains representa-
tions regarding the passage of the OAR
uanelIes by the Russian volunteer fleet
the Turkish government disclaims all re-
sponsibility. insisting that the ST. Peters,
Durg and Smolensk passed in the capac-
ity of merchant ships.
Views Of Other Powers.
There Is reason to believe that Great
Britain Is exchanging views with other
powers regarding the operations of the vol
unteer fleet steamers and the hardships
thereby inflicted on neutral commerce. or
10 which it is liable. The State Depart
ment at Washington particularly has been
Kept informed of the developments in the
matter. 1t Is said in a responsible quarter
That the State Department is giving spe-
cial attention to the legal aspect of the
question of the seizure of contraband. and
u Is thought Secretary Hay may consider
that the danger which menaces American
commerce passing through the Red sea is
suinC1ent to warrant the iSsue of a general
declaration re pecting the attitude of Amer
lea. This would be welcomed by the for
eiSn Office here. which believes the princi-
pies dctuatng America are those il Is striv-
Ing to uphold. Germany. also. ii Is believed
here, Is in a mood TO welcome some liner
national declaration tending to increase
the liberty OF neutral commerce.