Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-21
ACTION BY FRANCE.
Result of Communications Between
Paris and st. Petersburg.

PARIS, April 21.-As a result of COM
municating between the governments at
Paris and ST. Petersburg the Russian gov
ernment has forwarded urgent orders to
Admiral Rojestvensky to vigorously respect
the neutrality of French waters. This is
precautionary measure. In addition, spe-
cial instructions have been sent to the gov
ernor general of Indo-China, NJ. Beau, and
Foreign Minister Delcasse has instructed
the French minister at Tokyo to give the
Japanese minister for foreign affairs as
surances that it is Frances purpose pre-
serve strict neutrality. these being similar
TO the assurances given to DR.. Motono, the
japanese minister at Paris.
According to the official view the forego-
ing steps should exercise a distinctly calm
ing influence upon japan, as they show
France, directly and through Russia, has
adopted all available means to insure re-
speet of the neutrality OF French waters.
The officials say that the only additional
measure open is the use of French war
ships to employ force in expelling Rojest-
vensky's squadron. Such course, how
ever, is said to be impossible, owing to the
small number of French ships in Indo-Chi-
nese waters.
Moreover. as an official remarked, France
is not in the habit of resorting to such ex-
treme measures as using force. This is
particularly true in the case of Russia,
owing TO the complications which might
arise from France adopting forcible steps
against Russia. Therefore, the instructions
already given from Paris and St. Peters
burg are relied upon to prevent Admiral
Rojestvensly from encroaching upon
French territorial waters.
a telegram received here from St. Peters
burg and understood TO be of official origin
says:
''The Russian admiralty has notified Ad-
miral RojestVensky of the grave danger
to peace which will be entailed if the stay
of his squadron off the coast of AMMAN is
prolonged contrary to the laws of neu-
trality No doubt Is entertained that the
admiral will carry out the formal instruc-
tiOns sent to him"
Rumored Resignation of Delcasse.
A rumor is in circulation in the chamber
of deputies that Foreign Minister Del
casse intends to resign. The council of
ministers assemblies at o'clock this aft
ernOon.
The rumor Is given under all reserve
Newspaper Comment.
Japans representation has had the effect
of bringing the Franco-Japanese incident
TO the front rank of public attention. The
leading newspapers here adopt the govern
ment's view that Foreign Minister Del
casse's assurances calm the situation.
Deputy de Lanessan (radical republican,,
the former minister of marine and at one
tive governor of 1ndo China, says In the
Steele:
I'VE cannot ignore the fact that the Jap
anese people greatly excited by the
war and that public opinion may drive the
Tokyo cabinet 10 take extreme action. We
there fore insist that the Rouvier ministry
rapidly adopt steps in conformity with the
interests of France and the maintenance of
peace. All France agrees that the govern
meut has the uuty of protecting French
neutrality and thus preserving the world S
peace"
The Humanite socialist. says:
IF the impending naval battle occurs in
lndo-Chinese waters and the Russian squad
ron seeks refuge in our ports, then France
may be suddenly dragged into conflict in
spite OF herself that would mean war. and
the government which. through feebeness
or blindness. permitted such a catastrophe
TO occur would bear one OF the most terri
bic responsibilities history has known"
DR.. MOtono In the course of an inter-
serve neutrality by adopting all the ueces-
s1ry measures for preventing AdmtraI I
KCjestveaskys squadron from remaining
any longer in French territorial waters at
k2mraEh bay The minister added that
the Russian ships are quite inside French
waters and not outside Of them.
Discussed in Chambers.
Three notices have been given of ques.
t.oning the government in the chamber of
deputies concerning the observance of neu-
trality. NJ de Pressense (socialIsD and NJ
Valiant (Blanquist socialisD viii ask the
government that measures be taken 10
guard the neutrality of French waters In
the far east. Nj. Deloncle republican, rep
rcsenting Cochin-China in the chamber) will
address Il question to the minister Of the
colonies asking what measures he intends
TO adopt 10 assure the maintenance of neu-
traIity OF tho waters of Indo-China.
The minister OF the colonies has accented
n debate on NJ. DelOncles question t2r to-
morrow.
MN. DC Prcsscnse and valiant ask that
their questions be discussed today.
Required to Report Location.
The Temps says the instructions sent to
Gov. Gen. Bean require him to report the
exact location OF Admiral Rojcstvensky's
ships. whether they are or are not within
tho three-rnlle limit. NJ. Beau's reply has