Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-04-21
JAPS' PROTEST
To France on Occupation
Of Kamranh Bay
Made to Minister DeIcasse by
Minister M0t0no at Paris.
Every Assurance by Former That In
tentions Are Honorable.

Paris. April 20-Acting upon lnstruc-
tons from his government, Dr. Moto-
no the Japanese minister to France
called Oh Foreign Minister Deicasse'
this evening and submitted represent
ations on behalf of Japan concerning
tho presence, of the Russian Pacific
SQUADRON in Kamranh bay. An official
communication issued after the meet
inc states that Minister Motono's ac-
t,nr Ind not the character of a formal
n.ntast against an alleged violation of
neutrality, but was to obtain assur-
ance chat France would observe strict
neutrality. Notwithstanding the Off
cial version. it is evident that the in
t,:.tior and effect of Minister Motono's
action IS III the nature of Il protest.
Foreign Minister Delcassc responded
to the representations of the JapaneS"
minister by pointing out the precau-
tons heretofore taken to preserve neu-
tr;ility and the special instructions re-
Gently sent TO the governor general of
Iildo-China upon continued care to
preserve neutrality. II. Delcasse's as
surances sought to allay the appre-
tensions of Japan, which he MAIN
tanned had not been justified by any
specific facts.
The exact terms of Japan's repre-
sensations have not been disclosed. but
il is understood that. while having the
usual courteous form of diplomacy they
set forth that serious approximations
had been aroused by the stay of the
Russian warsEiDe in kalnranh bay
and the urgent desire that French neu-
trality be placed beyond doubt.
The terms of the French response. al
though not given out, tend to give am
nle assurances uuOn all the questions
RAISED. The text OF the official cGmmu-
nication unon the conference is as fol-
lows:
CDR. Monoto. misistcr of Japan. has
taken steps to call the attention Of the
minister of foreign aairs uron the re-
Ported presence of Russian vessels in
Kalnranh bay. At the ministry of for
efgl affairs it is stated that Minister
Motono's action does not take the
character of Il formal protest against
alleged violation of neutrality by
France relative to the Russian fleet.
The japanese minister particularly de-
sired to obtain from the French gov
eriment as she had done when the
Baltic squat,ro passed CherbourS and
more recently when it so jOurncyed off
Madagascar. some formal assurances
that France would continue TO observe
strict neutrality.
These assurances evidently seemed
more and more indispensable to Japan
as the Russian fleet approached the
coast of Indo-China and entered the
thcater of war The French government
has on frequent occasions pOintedly at
hrned that all precautions have been
taken for the observance of neutrality.
Special instructions have even been
forwarded to Indo-China OH the sub
icct. The minister Of foreign affairs is
therefore able to allay the uneaslness
of Japan has manifested, which has
not been justified up to the present by
any specific fact.
Eesidcs these general assurances,
the conference doubtless uermittd of
TN exclamation of the French point of
view concerning the stay of Russian
warshirs in Kamranh bay. 1t is MAIN
tanned that this was ut most brief
so,ourn and rot q prolonged stay. OH
cial information leading to the bcllef
that the squadron actually left k;tm-
ramh bay. last Sunday. No Japanese
ships were in the vicinity during the
stay of the Russian squadron ana
therefore, it is held. it had not the
character of giving asylum to Il bellig-
erent against the enemy. Moreover, 1t
is maintained the size of i<anrann bay
permits shins to enter and anchor
without being within French territory
waters. The bay has IL triangular
shape. its greatest length being 1919
miles. it's greatest width 10 miles and
the distance across the entrance about
miles.