The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-01-21
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FRANCE AND RUSSIA
1t Is Believed the Two Count
ries Are Comforting.
FRANCE WON'T HELP OUT
Will Refuse to Aid Russia with
Arms and Men,
'ANCE. WON'T HELP OUT

Paris, Jan. 20.-There is strong reason
to believe that exchanges of communica-
tons are now gong on between France
concerning the position Russio viii final
ly adopt in response to the last Japanese
note. Long conferences between Foreign
! Minister Delcasse and NJ. Nelidof. the
Russian ambassador. are being held al
most daily. Prior 10 these Russia had
not consulted France, and NJ. Nelidoff
went to Cannes for an extended stay,
telling his diplomatic colleagues that he
happily had part in the Russo-Japan-
csc negotiations. Following the presen-
tation of Japans last demands, he says
that NJ. Nelidof gave up MS vacation and
began frequent conferences with NJ. Del
casse. IT is expected that the change of
views will exert a strong influence in
shaping the course Russia will take.
II is understood that the exchanges
will have the following results:
First-Russia. approaching the decisive
nature of the issues presented in Japan's
last note desires to secure the advice
of her nearest political friend, and,
Second-France wishes to exercise her
influence to prevent war in which she
might become embroiled.
More practically France has begun to
realize that she ought to be consulted
concerning Russias course in China, as
Russia and France jointly promulgated
the note of March 19, 1892, and setting
forth that they would act together con-
corning the integrity and free develop
ment of China.
Concerning Russias wish to consult
France, it is said that the Russian for
eign minister, Count Lamsdorff, has a
high regard for NJ. Delcasses prudence
in the difficult situation.
One of the most prominent diplomats
said today that Count Lamsdorff's task
in answering Japan's note is one of the
most difficult he ever observed owing TO
Russa's dilemma owing to her determin-
alton firmly to maintain her position and
at the same time comply with the cars
desire for peace. NJ. Delcasses talks
with members of the diplomatic corps
during the last few days revealed his eX-
IRENE desire for The maintenance of
peace, and his advice to Russia undoubt-
edly followed the same lines. 1t is the
general impression here that if war
breaks out the best diplomacy may not
succeed in keeping France out of the i'm
broglio. Therefore NJ. Delcasse, consid-
ering the self interests of France as |
well as of the Franco Russian note of
1902 is counselling pacific adjustment.
Concerning the specific character OF NJ. /
Delcasses advice, the only guide is the !
note of 1902. which is being much dis
cussed in the efforts to determine its I
bearing on the present situation. The |
text of the document refers to The pur-
post of the two governments to safe
guard the integrity of China and APP 1
proves the principle that China and Korea /
shall remain open to the commerce and /
of ali nations. This course is /
construed here as restricting to the Is
Colo provinces of old China and as not
applying to Manchuria and other parts of
the Chinese empire outside of old China.
Therefore while the Franco Russian
agreement is serving to bring about an
exchange of views, it is hoped that the
agreement does not limit Russia concern
ng Manchuria.
The Temps this evening publishes
eading article on the increasing import
lnce of the role of the United States in
he Japanese-Russan situation. 1t re-
iects the growing French sentiment,
which to some extent is shared in gov
quarters, and says:
III cannot be disguised that the appear
,nce of the United States upon the scene
$ calculated to encourage Japan
Continuing, the Temps reviews the early
between Russia and the United
States and the alleged recent gradual es-
rangement which is attributed to the
'atification of the commercial treaty be-
ween China and the United States and
declares that this may be according to the
Jew taken at Washington nd at st. Pc
ersburg, either the final point of depart
Ire for new complications or the happy
conclusion of MISUNDERSTANDING.
The paper adds:
cit depends much upon the wisdom and
pacific spirit of President Roosevelt in
upon the crisis his conciliatory
influence at Toxic. as 1t is hoped Great
Britain has done already, and as it is be-
ieved France is not neglecting to do at
It. Petersburg.
Berlin. Jan. 20.-The German govern
nent has become privy to the fact that
france declines to give Russia any as
urances of armed help. should war be
he outcome of the far eastern differences
ven should Great Britain aid Japan. II 1
$ understood here that Russia asked
france 10 define her position in the con-
urgency of Great Britain actively partic
pating in a Japanese attack on Russia.
nd that the French government replied
hat France must remain militarily neu- |
raj as the Russian-French alliance was
ute separate on the question now pend
ng. This resolution of France, it is he !
eyed here. deeply affects not only the :
ituation between Russia and Japan, but ]
he Franco-R Russian alliance. {