Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-06
ATTITUDE OF JaPAH
Outlined by High Official at
Toxic.
PROPOSALS TO RUSSIA
INTEGRITY OF CoREA A SINE qua
NON.
Allegation That Russia Ias Shufied
With Regard to Manchuria-
Yalu River Closed.

TOXIC, January @, p.m.-A high Japa-
nese authority today made the following
explana lion of the status of the faI-eastern
questions:
THE statement that Russia has made
concessions to Japan is not exact. On the
contrary. Russia, in the month of October,
made certain concessions, which were ac-
cepted by Japan. subsequently withdrew
them and assumed an attitude which left
the Japanese little hope in the way Of
reaching satisfactory agreement.
1.-The japanese government, confident in
the declarations of disinterestedness in
Manchuria, made by Russia. and recognZ-
Ing Russia's special interests in that re-
sion. wished to regulate once for all, all
questions In the far east, in the interest of
future peace and tranquility. To this end
Japan made the following proposals:
"Q) Russia and Japan should mutually
respect the independence and territorial in
tegrity of China and Corea.
"(2) To recognize recip. ocally-Japan the
special interests of Russia in Manchuria;
Corea.
"l3) To engage mutually not to infringe
Japan, the commercial rights and immuni-
ties acquired by Russia In Corea; Russia
the commercial rights and immunities ac-
Quired by Japan in Manchuria.
Purpose of Japan.
"In making the third proposition, Japan
wished not only to protect her own rights
In China and those of Russia in Corea, but
to consecrate by the principle Of equality OF
treatment the commercial rights of all
tons in Corea and China.
'.Russia declined the Japanese PROPOSE
tons and submitted a counte--propositton
which contained clause providing for the
creation of a neutral zone extending from
81, - M,
the east and to Ping Yang on the west.
This zone comprised almost third of
Corea.
'"This Russ an pretens on took from japan
all guarantee of the protection of her rights
in Manchuria and sequestrat a cons dera-
BILE part of Corea, where. without contradic-
ton, Japans interests preponderate. and
which every nation recognizes as being
within the legitimate sphere of Japan.
Exasperated the Japanese.
"The proposal exasperated Japanese pub
lie opinion. Japan could not accept the pro-
posal for these reasons:
Il. The definite occupation by Russia of
Manchuria would be q permanent menace
to the independence of Corea. which Japan
must prevent at any price, for COrea is an
advance post of Japan's line of defense and
the safety of Corea is a condition sine qua
non of her own security.
''2- Japan has, as other powers. rights and
tmmunitieS in Manchuria. by virtue of trea-
ties with China. These rights and immuni-
ties cannot be left to the mercy of Russia.
The refusal of Russia to examine the Man
churian question denoted on her part the
intention not to observe the rights of all
nations in that region. Most evident among
other proofs of this intention on the part of
Russia were the occupation of Ang-Tung-
Tcheng and the re-occupation of Mukden.
Every one knows that by the new treaties
concluded by the United States and Japan
with China one city and two ports were to
be opened TO the commerce of the world
Ang-Tung-Tcheng and Mukden were the
two ports chosen. BY the occupation OF
these ports Russia prevented China from
fulfilling the obligations Of her treaties.
Russia Closes the Yalu River.
I'm Corsa. equally. acts of Russia have
had as result. the closing Of the Yalu
river to foreign commerce. Japan asked
Corea simultaneously with the United
States and Great Britain. to open this re-
g;on to international commerce. In occupy
ing Yong-Wang -Pou CYon-Gam-Pho). the
only port in north Corea Russia paralyzed
tho realization Of this project Japan then
had reason to fear that letting Russia alone
would result IN closing the Yellow sea and
the interior of Manchurta to international
commerce.
I'm struggling with all her force against
the pretensions OF Russia In the far east,
Japan works not only for herself but for
gers and risks OF an armed conflict with
Russia and does not embark upon 1t with a
light heart q fanfaronade. 1t will be
less q struggle between races than a plan
for the preservation of international COM
merce.