The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-20
Declines to Give Russia An,
Assurance of Help
In Case War With Japan Is En-
gagged In.
RUSSIA NA DILEMMA
How to Crafty the Cars De
sirefOr Peace
And Hang on to What She Has
at the Same Time.

Berlin, Jan. 20.-The German govern
ment has become privy to the fact that
France declines to give Russia any as
surances of armed help, should war be
the outcome of the far eastern differ
ences, even should Great Britain aid
Japan. 1t is understood here that Rus
sia asked France to define her position
In the contingency of Great Britain
actively participating in a japanese at
tack on Russia and that the French
government replied that France must
remain militarily neutral, as the Rus
slan-French alliance was quite sepa-
rate on the question now pending. This
resolution of France, it is believed here.
viii deeply affect not only the situa-
ton between Russia and Japan hut
the Franco-Russfan alliance.
EXCHANGES GOING ON.
Paris, Jan. 20.-There is strong reason
to believe that exchanges of communi-
cation are now going on between France
and Russia, concerning the position
Russia Will finally adopt in response to
the last japanese note. Longer con-
ferences between Foreign Minister Del
casse and NJ. Nelidoff the Russian am
bassador, are being held almost daily.
Prior to these Russia had not consulted
France and NJ. Nelidnff went to Cannes
for an extended stay, telling his dip
lomatic colleagues they happily had no
part in the Russo-Japanese negotia-
t1ons- Following the presentation of
Japan's last demands, he says that
Nelidoff gave up his vacation and be
gan frequent conferences with NJ Del
casse. 1t is expected that the exchange
of views will exert a strong influence
in shaping the course Russia will adopt.
Among the officials and diplomats it
is understood here that the exchanges
will have the following results:
Russia, appreciating the decisive ma
ture of the views presented in Japan s
last note desires to secure the advice
of her nearest political friend, and
Second, France wishes to exercise ner
influence to prevent a war in which she
might become embroiled.
More particularly France has begun
to realize that she ought to be consult
| ed concerning Russia's course in China,
as Russia and France Jointly pronul-
gated the note of March 10, 1902 set
ting forth that they would act togeth-
er concerning the integrity and free
development of China.
Concerning Russia's s wish to consult
France, it is said that the Russian for
eign minister, Count Dansdorff has a
high regard for NJ. De1casse's prudence
in the difficult situation.
One of the most prominent diplomats
said today that Count Lamsdorff's S task
in answering the Japanese not is one
of the most difficult he ever observed,
owing to Russia's dilemma due to
/ nor QeIeT1nlIldllOI TO HTnlly IndinteRlll
her position and at the same time com
ply with the czar's desire for peace. NJ
| Delcasse's talks with members of the
diplomatic corps during the last few
days revealed his extreme desire for the
maintenance of peace, and his advise
! to Russia undoubtedly followed the
same lines.
| 1t is the general impression here thai
| if war breaks out the best diplomacy
may not succeed in keeping France out
of the embroglio. Therefore, NJ. Del
casse, considering the self-interests OF
France as we'll as of the Franco Rus
sian note of 1902, is counselling pacific
! adjustment
Concerning the specific character OF
M. Delcasse's advice the only guide is
the note of 1902, which is being much
discussed in the efforts to determine its
bearing on the present situation. The
text of the document refers to the pur-
pose of the two governments to safe
guard the integrity of China and ap-
proves the principle that China ano
Korea shall remain open to the com
merce and industry of all nations. This
course is construed here as restricted
to the eighteen provinces of old China
and as not applying to Manchuria ano
other parts of the Chinese empire out
side of old China. Therefore, While the
| Franco-Russian agreement is serving tC
bring about an exchange of views, it is
hoped that the agreement does not limit
Russia concerning Manehuria-
IN SUEZ CANAL
Port Arthur, Jan. 29.-The Russian
battleship Aurora, the transport Or1el
the collier Saratoff and nine torpedo
boats bound for the far east have en-
| tered Suez canal.