The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-02-09
RUSSIA OFFERS
AN EXPLANATION
BOREIGN OFFICE ISSUES HIS
TORY OF NEGOTIATIONS. H
Makes No Reference Whatever to
Manchuria but Sets Forth Russian
Demands Regarding Korea-Hints
that Japanese Government Was
Forced Into War by a Russo-phobe
Press.

81. petersburg, F'eb. "a lengthy
official communication issued to-day
gives the Russian account of the nego-
tiations which, led to the rupture.
The note follows:
Last year the Toxic cabinet. under the
preteXt of establishing the balance OF
power and more settled order OF things
on the shore Of the Pacific, submitted to
the imperial government a proposal for
q revision of the existing treaties with
Korea.
Russia consented aud Viceroy Alexieff
was charged to draw up project Tor q
new understanding with Japan in CO.
operation with the Russian minister at
Toxic, who was entrusted with the nego-
tiations with the Japanese government.
Altho the exchange of views with the
Toxic cabinet this subject were of a
friendly character. Japanese social circles
and the local and foreign press attempted
in every way to produce a warlike fer
ment among the Japanese and to drive
the government into armed conflict
with Russia. Under the influence thereof
the Toxic cabinet began to formulate
greater and greater demands in the nego-
tiations. at the same time taking most
extensive measures to make the country
ready for war.
All these circumstances could not, OF
course. disturb Russia's equanimity but
they induced her also to take military
and naval measures. Nevertheless to
preserve peace in the far east Russia, SO
fer as her incontestable rights and in
terests permitted, gave the necessary at
tention to the demands Of the Toxic cab
met and declared herself ready to recog-
nize Japan's privileged commercial and
economic position In the Korean PENN
sula with the concession OF the right to
protect it by military force in the event
Of disturbances in that country. At the
same time, while vigorously observing the
fundamental principle OF her policy re-
garding Korea, whose independence ano
integrity were guaranteed by previous un.
derstandings with Japan. and by treaties
with other powers, Russia insisted or
three points:
The Russian Demands.
First-On a mutual and cond1tiona
guarantee Of this principle.
Second--On an undertaking to use NJ
part Of Korea for strategic purposes. al
the authorization Of such action on tn
part of any foreign power was d1rectl!
opposed to the principle Of the independ
ence of Korea. ~
Third-In the preservation Of the full
freedom Of the navigation OF the strait
Of Korea.
The project, elaborated in this sense. die
not satisfy the Japanese government
which In it's last proposals not only de-
olined to accept the conditions which ap
peared as the guarantee OF the tndepen
dence of Korea, but also began at tn
same time to insist on provisions to b.
Incorporated in g. project regarding tn
question of Manchuria. Such demands o
Japan naturally were Inadmissible, tn
question Of Russias position In Man
ohuria concerning in the first place China
but also all tho powers having CONNER
eial interests in China. H..
The Case of Manehuria. ,-.
The imperial government, therefore, say
absolutely no reason to include in spe
cial treaty with Japan regarding Korean
affairs any provisions concerning terri
tory occupied by Russian troous. The i'm
perial government, however, did not re-
fuse. so long as the occupation OF Man
Churia lasts, to recognize both the soy
ereignty Of the emperor Of China j
Manchuria and also the rights acquires
there by other powers thru treaties wit
China.
A declaration to this effect has also al
ready been made to the foreign cabinets
In view Of this the imperial government
after charging it's representative at Tok1
to present it's reply to the last propose
of Japan, was justified In expecting tn
Toxic cabinet to take Into account tn
considerations set forth above and to hop
that Ii would appreciate the wish mani
tested by Russia to como to peaceful un
Outstanding with Japan. ~
Instead Of this the Japanese govern
ment, not even awaiting this reply, de
clded to break off negotiations and
suspend diplomatic relations. The impe
rial government, while laying on Japan tn
full responsibility for any consequences
such a. course Of action will await the dc
velopment Of events and the moment
becomes necessary will take the most dc
cisive measures for the protection Of II
rights and interests In the far east.