Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-20
Russia Sounds Ally on East
ern Question.
CONFERENCES IN PARIS
FRENCH THOUGHT TO BE AvERsE
TO WAR.
st. Petersburg Papers Assume That
the Acute Phase of the Con-
troversy Has Passed.

PARIS, January 20.-Although no official
authority is obtainable for the statement,
there Is strong reason to believe that ex-
changes Of communications are now going
on between France and Russia concerning
the position Russia will finally adopt in re-
sponse to the latest Japanese note. Long
conferences between Foreign Minister Del
casse and M. Nendoff. the Russian ambas-
sador. are being held almost daily. Prior
to these Russia had not consulted France,
and NJ. Nedoff went to Cannes for an ex-
tended stay, telling his diplomatic coll
leagues that he happily had no part in the
Russo Japanese negotiations. Following
the presentation of Japan's latest demands,
however, NJ. Nelidoff gave up his vacation
and began frequent conferences with M.
Delcasse. 1t is expected that the exchanges
of views will exert a strong influence in
shaping the course Russia will adopt.
Cause of the Conferences.
Among the officials and diplomats 1t is un-
derstood here that the exchanges result
from two considerations:
Ffrst-Russa, appreciating the decisive
nature of the issues presented in Japan's
last note desires to secure the advice OF her
nearest political friend and ally.
Second-France wishes to exercise her ll-
fiuence to prevent war In which she
might become embroiled.
More particularly France has pegun 10
realize that she ought to be consulted con-
cerning Russia course in China, as Russia
and France Jointly promulgated the note OF
March 10, 1902, setting forth that they
would act together concerning the integrity
and free development of China
Concerning Russias wish to conSult
France. 1t is said that the Russian foreign
minister, Count Lamsdorf has high re-
gard for NJ. DelcaSSe'S prudence In meeting
difficult situations.
One of the most prominent diplomats SAID
today that Count Lamsdorf's task In an
swerng the Japanese note Is one OF the
most difficult he ever observed. owing 10
Russia's dilemma, due TO her determination
to firmly maintain her position and at the
same time comply with the czars desire
for peace.
Delcasse Desires Peace.
M. Delcasses talks with members OF the
diplomatic corps during the last few days
revealed his extreme desire for the main
tenance of peace, and his advice to Russia
undoubtedly followed the same lines. This
has not the character of mediation or OF the
tender of good offices but is more like the
counsel of an intimate friend having IN
terestS under the joint note OF lJo2. More
over it is the general impression here that
if war breaks out the best diplomacy may
not succeed In keeping France out OF tho
imbroglio Therefore NJ. Delcasse, consd-
ering the self-interests of France, as well
as of the Franco Russian note of 1902, Is
counseling a pacific adjustment
Concerning the specific character of NJ
Delcasse's advice the only guide is the note
of 1902 which is being much discussed in
the efforts to determine It's bearing on the
present situation. The text of the docu-
ment refers to the purpose of the two gov
ernments to safeguard the integrity OF
China and approves the principle that China
and Korea shall remain open to the COM
merce and industry of all nations.
Does Not Apply to Manchuria.
This is construed here as restricted to the
eighteen 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 agree
ment is serving to bring about an exchange
Of views II is held that the agreement does
not limit Russia concerning ManchurIa.