New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-29
RUSSIA'S FORMER TERMS.
Tert of Final Reply to the japanese
Demands an 1904.

Paris, March 2S.-The Associated Press is IN q
positksl to complete the diplomatic history of
the Russo-Japanese relations resulting in the
war by giving the text of Russia's final reply
to Japan, dated February 3. 1904, which has
never before been published Baron de Rosen.
former Russian Minister TO Japan. did not have
| an opportunity to present the note to Baron Ko-
mura. the Japanese Foreign Minister. as it was
not delivered TO the Russian representative
until February Z. the day after he had been in
formed of the rupture. Russia has alleged that
the Japanese government. having decided to
break off negotiations and begin hostilities, de-
liberately. held up the message at Toxic until
NJ. Kurino the former Japanese Minister at ST.
Petersburg could deliver the instructions sent
to him on February to sever diplomatic rela-
tions Japan contended that the contents of the
reply having been substantially communicated
by the Foreign Minister, Count Lamsdorf, to NJ
Kurino, and not being acceptable on the main
issue, II was useless for Japan TO wait any
longer The text of the propositions follows
First-A mutual engagement to respect the in
dependence and territorial integrity of Corea.
Second-An enga cement On the part of Russia
not to impede the commercial or industrial I'M
dertabdngs Of Japan in Corea or oppose her
measures for safeguarding such interests.
Third-Recognition by Russia OF Japan's pre-
ponderatng interests in Corea and her right TO
offer advice and assistance tending to the inn
provement Of the administration of Corea-
Fourth-A mutual obligation not to use any
part of Corean territory for strategic purposes
or to undertake on the coasts OF Corea any
military works which menace free navigation
OF the Corean Straits.
F1fth-Recognition by Russia of Japan's right
to send troops to Corea in accordance with the
preceding articles for the suppression Of insur-
rections and disorders calculated to create inter-
national complications
Sixth-An engagement by Russia to respect
the rights and privileges acquired by Japan
well as other powers in Manchuria through
treaties with China, Japan to recognize Man
and littOral beVOQQ
interest.
Seventh-A mutual agreement not to impede
the junction of the Corean and Eastern China
railroads when they have reached the Yalu
River
Eighth-That this agreement supplant all pre-
vious agreements between Russia and Japan
respecting Corea.
Nnth-The desrability If possible of creating
neutral zone in Corea-
A comparison of the above and preceding ex-
changes. all of which heretofore have been
printed fully, confirms the fact that Russia from
the first to the last insisted that It was incon-
sistent with her dignity to include in a special
treaty with Japan obligation to respect the
territorial integrity Of China in Manchura, reit-
Grating in the instructions sent to Baron de
Resen. which were accompanied by a note of
explanation TO japan. that Russia's position in
Manchuria concerned first China, and then all
the other powers having commercial interests
there, and again pointing out the declarations
already made by Russia to foreign Cabinets of
her intention. 80 long the occupation Of Man
churia continued, to recognize the sovereignty of
China and the binding force of the treaties con-
tracted by the powers with the Picking gov
eminent
With the exception of Encouragement and
some slight verbal changes the first five articles
are Identical with those of Russia's original re-
ply Of October 3, 1903. Russia made three con-
cessioas in the final note. follows
First-The withdrawal of the provision in the
Russian note of January 6, 1904 declining to
recognize the settlement rights in Manchuria ac-
quired under treaties with CHINA point on
which Japan laid great stress. These rights
Russia alleged were acquired by Japan under
cover of treaties negotiated by the United States
Second-Recedence from insstence upon the
proposition for neutral zone in Northern Corea
but again putting forward its desirab ility
Thlrd-Acceptance of the stipulation in Ar
tiele 3 of Japan's original propositions regard
ing the Juncture of the Corean and Manchurian
railroads
Russia refused
Birst-To include in the treaty an obligation
to respect the territorial integrity of Manchuria
Second-To withdraw the inhibition against
using Corean territory for strategic purposes.
The note is held to prove that Russia hoped
to prolong the negotiations.