Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-04
NEARER SETTLEMENT
England and Russia Adopt
Conciliatory Attitude
OVER SINKING OF SHIP
FINAL REPLY OF CZARs GOVERN
MENT NOT YET DELIVERED.
Question Of Compensation to Owners
of Knight Commander Discussed
Action Contrary to Law.
OVER SINKING OF SHIP

LONDON. August 4 - The controversy
over the sinking Of the British steamer
Knight Commander Is not expected either
in British government or Russian dipio-
matte circles here to reach an acute stage,
both governments having adopted con-
ciliatory attitude While the final reply of
Russia to the British protest has not yet
reached the foreign office. the Associated
Press learns that Count Benckendorn, the
Russian ambassador. had an extended con-
ference yesterday with Foreign Secretary
Lansdowne. which brought the two govern
ments appreciably nearer a settlement.
1t is known that Lord Lansdowne in
structed Sir Charles Hardinge, the British
ambassador at ST. Petersburg. to discuss
the question of compensation for the own
ers of the knight Commander with Foreign
Minister Lamsdorff, and 1t is believed mere
the latter will not fail to make an equitable
offer which will be satisfactory 10 'he
British government
The foreign Office is reticent In regard to
the exchanges of communications wnicn
have passed between Count Benckendorn
and Lord Lansdowne put pey9so yao shins .he au ,he
two diplomats. II is learned. dlscuSseu III
friendly spirit the general principles IN
volved in the act.
Sinking of Neutral Vessels.
Count Benckendorff referred to the various
regulations issued since 1896, authorizing
naval commanders in certain contingencies
TO sink neutral vessels carrying contrapaho
and which. though known to the neutral
powers had not been made the sup)ect oA
nrotest He also quoted Prof. Martens
work ON international law, upholding the
right of a belligerent to sink a neutral yes
sci carrying contraband under certain eoii
ditions such as when conI.onseu ,he Wy an
perior strength. Prof. Martens the an
bassador pointed out, was recognized Wy
Great Britain as an authority on nv me- n,,
national law. having acted as arpitratoi oii
saveral cases in accordance with the INVITA-
stan of the British government. Lord Lans-
downe however did not modify ms pre-
viously expressed view that Admlrai 1esseA
acted contrary to international ia"'
Modification of Regulations.
r,bara is talk of modification OF the
Russian naval regulations which Will pre-
vent a recurrence of incidents such aS 'he
sinking of the knight Commahder' pu'
whether they are modified or not the AS
sociated Press has reason TO peile'e 'i"'
an understanding has been reacneo t1ors 10 I,e
effect that only under the most eAtlao,
dinary circumstances will neutral vessels
be sunk hereafter -.,o,
II is learned that Russia took exception
IN the us., of the word outrage by Loro
Iansdowne in his speech in the house OF
lords on the subject Of the sinking OF the
knight Commander and that the iorels n
secretary explained that he hao no lnIeh-
tion of unnecessarily offending the Rus-
sian government but the intensity OF 1eei,
ing in Great Britain could only be sausheo
by the use of plain language
The Malacca Claim.
With respect to the Peninsular and or-
iental Company's steamer Malacca, a claim
for compensation will Immediately be
made.
The foreign office continues anxious that
the United States should make declara-
ton to the world Of it's views regarding the
rights of neutrals, particularly the ques-
tion of contraband, as it believes the prin-
ciples OF the two countries are Identical.
1t is authoritatively stated that the United
States thus far has not gone farther than
to obtain information regarding the actioh
and attitude Of the British government In
the cases under negotiation with Russia.