Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-26
TO GRANTALL DEMANDS
BALFoURSs STATEMENT ON RED
SEA Snip SEIZURES
No Analogy between Cases Of the
Malaeea and the Allanton-s
War Not Wanted

A cablegram from London last night says:
It is evidently being settled that Russia
will grant ALI Of Great Britains demands
growing out Of the seizures by the Rus
sian volunteer cruisers. Urgent represent
tations are being made by the owners OF
the Allanton. In the hope OF inducing the
government to demand the release OF that
vessel. recently eonfscated by the Vladi-
vostok prize court. A deputation which
saw Premier Balfour today argued that
the case Of the Allanton was on all Tours
with that Of the Malacca.
It seemed to be the Judgment Of those
composing the deputation that their gov
eminent, having secured the release Of the
vessels captured in the Red sea. should
stoutly demand that the Allanton be re-
stored to It's owners, and back the demand
as 1t did the demands touching the Reo
sea cases with a strong naval demonstra-
ton.
Mr.. Balfour replied that there was no
analogy between the case OF the Ailanton
and that Of the Malacca. The latter was
seized by an unauthorized vessel, not a
regular warship. There were good grounos
for representations to Russia respecting
the Allanton, but not for demand for It's
instant release.
This statement by Mr.. Balfour brings out
clearly the position of Great Britain IN
the Malacca case. Had that vessel peen
seized by a regular warship the chances
tempted to prevent its going to a prize
court.
Cruisers May Return as Warships
1t is expected that regular Russian war
ships will be present in the Red sea with
In q short time to take the places OF the
volunteer cruisers, and 1t is quite probable
that these very volunteer cruisers, after re-
turning to the Baltic, may come back to
Rad via
as warships. There Is every reason to ex-
pect there will be more seizures Of British
ships. but In the Judgment OF persons en-
tilted to speak authoritatively, because OF
their knowledge Of International law, 1t is
extremely doubtful If Great Britain will In
tervene in any case of seizure properly
made. It Is regarded as possible that CUES
lions may arise between Russia and Great
Britain through subsequent Russian naval
operations In the Red sea, but 1t Is not
regarded as possible that Great Britain will
undertake to prevent seizures mace accoro-
Ing to the accepted usages by regularly
commissioned warshps.
No Desire to Break With Russia.
An interesting incident transpires with
reference to the Malacca case. While that
vessel was passing through the. Suez canal
en- route to Port Said the foreign office COM
municated with the admiralty.
Have we any warships at Port Said?'
asked a representative OF the foreign Of
fee and when he was told that the cruls-
ers detached from the Mediterranean squad
ron would not reach Port Said In time to
head off the Malacca he was delighted.
THANK Cod" he exclaimed. The foreign
Office wanted to make show OF force at
an Impressive moment with the Mediter-
ranean squadron, but did not want an act
committed which In all probability would
cause an actual break with Russia. 1t
wished to be stern. but not offensive