Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-04


churia is absolutely essential to the preser-
walton of the Independence of Korea, and
as such maintenance was none other than
principle which had BEEN voluntarily and
repeatedly declared by Russia herself, and.
moreover. as 1t was considered necessary
to keep uninjured the commercial inter-
ests of all the powers concerned upon the
strength of the Russian engagement to re-
spect treaty rights, the imperial govern
ment decided to maintain to the end their
proposal on that subject, and necessary
amendments to other articles were also
made: for instance. imposition Of any re-
strfction to Japan in sending troops to
Korea should be struck out.
"A neutral zone. If It. was TO be created.
should be established on both sides of the
boundary line between Manchuria and
Korea with the same extent--i e., nifty
kilometers on each side With these amend
H.ents. several interviews took place with
Baron Rosen since the 9Th of October last,
and as the result of repeated discus
sions, In which some of our amendments
ment was arrived at our definitive amend
ments We're presented to Baron Rosen on
the Both of that month and the Russian
government was asked to consider them.
Although we frequently pressed for an
answer, the Russian reply was again great
~ delayed and it only reached us on the
18th of December. This was the second
Russian counter proposal.
Manchusia Left Out.
IF the regret Of the imperial government
at such delay was deep. their disappoint-
ment at the contents of the reply, when
1t was received. was still more profound.
Tor In 1t the clauses relating to Manehuria
were completely suppressed. thus restrict
ing the proposed convention entirely to
Korea, While on the other hand the origi-
MAJ demands regarding the neutral zone
n Y1d Inr plvr xx..Y~
tory for strategfcal purposes were again
revived. But the object Of the convention
was, as above stated. the removal of all
causes OF future conflict by a definitive
settIement OF all questions between the
TWO countries at points where their inter-
ests meet, and II Manchurfa were placed
outside the purview of the arrangement
and a moiety of the problem were tnus TO
remain unsolved, the result would plainly
be at variance with the aims for which
the negotiations were inaugurated
consequently on the 21st of December
last the imperial government asked the
government of Russia to reconsider their
position on the subject of Manchuria and
again requested, with respect to Korea. the
suppression of the restrictions as to the
employment of Korean territory, and they
also proposed the entire deletion of the
clause relating to neutral zone, as it was
CONSIDERED that, If Russia would not agree
to Its extension into Manchuria, 1T would be
only fair not to create 1t in Korea.
Russia's Next Offer.
The Russian government gave it's reply
on the 9Th of January, in which 1t still ad-
hered to its original proposals as regards
Korea, and on condition that those pro-
posals were accepted by the imperial gov
eminent it offered to agree to the insertion
OF clause stipulating that Russia would
not impede the enjoyment by Japan and
other nf he rio IL,
acquired under existing treaties with
China.
This at first sight might seem to be a
concession on the part of Russia regard
ing Manchuria, but in reality 1t was not
so, for Russia made it conditional with GER
tain propositions regarding Korea to which
Japan could never agree Again, no stipu-
lations were TO be made as 20 the terri
torial integrity of Manchuria. and the
aforementioned clause, unaccompanied by
assurances concerning territorial integrity,
would be practically Yalueless. According
ly. the imperial government, recognizing
the absolute necessityIOf causing Russia to
engage herself to respect the territorial
integrity of Manchuria.s and finding no
margin for further concession In regard TO
Korea, decided to firmly insist upon its
amendment, and once more requested on
the 18th of January last. reconsideration
of the Russian government. II subse-
Quently instructed the japanese minister
H..
reply The Russian government, however,
did not make answer neither did the Rus
sian minister FOR foreign affairs give, in his
interview with Mr.. Kurino, held so late as
the 31st of January, even an indication as
to the date wherein the reply would be pre-
sented. 80
Russia Arraigned.
Upon the whole. while the imperial gov
ernment invariably met Russia In con-
ciliatory and frank spirit, in the hope OF
arriving at a speedy solution of the situa-
ton by Welding to Russia's wishes so far
as they could do so without impairing the
vital interests Of Japan. Russia always I'M
duly delayed her replies or proposed such
amendments as were altogether inconsist-
ent with the idea of an amicable settle
ment, thus making the situation more and
more complicated.
Besides Russia. while protesting peaceful
intentions on one hand, made on the other
great naval and military preparations, dis
patching all her most powerful war vessels
to the extreme orient and sending military
reinforcements, tens of thousands strong,
to Manchuria and neighboring regions. An
unusually great activity was shown by her
in purchasing and transporting arms, am
munition, stores and coal to the same
region, so that 1t was placed beyond the
range of doubt that Russia had no sincere
desire for Cancellation and only aimed to
compel us 10 yieiu 10 ner designs Dy 1Ofce
of arms Especially toward the end of
January, the warlike activities of Russia
were so far accelerated that the allowance
by Japan Of further procrastination would
certainly have placed the empire in serious
danger
Measures of Self Defense Taken.
Although the imperial government en-
tertained an extremely sincere desire for
peace, yet in the face of such circum-
stances, 1t could not avoid deciding,
after most careful survey of the situa-
ton, to break off the negotiations with
Russia and to take all necessary mea sures
for self-defense. Accordingly on the 9TH
of February it issued telegraphic in
structions to the japanese minister at St.
Petersburg to announce to the Russian
government that the imperial government
had terminated negotiations relative to the
proposed Russo-Japanese convention and
that 1t would take such independent ac-
ton as 1t might deem best to defend
and consolidate fits menaced position and
to protect it's established rights and le-
Ultimate interests, and that 1t would
sever diplomatic relations with Russia
its legation. In accordance
with these instructions our minister a t st
Petersburg made the communication on the
9th of February last.
"Such is, gentlemen, a brief account of
the negotiations with Russia. AS for the
details, the document just presented to the
diet will afford you full information