New-York tribune., 1905-05-09
MOVE ON, ORDERS FRANCE
ROJESTVENSKY SAILS.
Lac Rules of Neutrality Strictl9
Kept, French Officials Sag.

Paris May S.-An official dispatch was re-
ceived here tonight saying that the Russian
Pacific Squadron had left Kong-Hai CKanh-Hoa
or Ma -trang?) Bay This follows the efforts OF
the French authorities to keep the squadron
moving. It's destination is not given
The semi-oficiaI Temps" to-day IN leading
article refers to the "disagreeable attitude OF
the Japanese press toward France. which now
finds a partial echo in the British press and
SAYS that the basis Of both criticisms Is that
France ought to apply the British rules Of neu-
traIity. and that the entire subject IS discussed
from the British conception Of what constitutes
neutrality The paper adds
1t CHE British press) virtually proposes that
France abandon the neutrality regulations she
has always followed and adopt those Of Great
Britain, which she has never ceased 70 repu-
diate Neutrality regulations are not universal.
but vary according to the essential cOndirions
of the people observing them. Insular powers
having many naval bases adopt rigorous neu-
trality rules whereas Continental powers having
few points of naval support would be at mani
fest inferiorIty il they accepted rigorous neu-
trality rules
The French government has informed Parlia-
rnent that il is fully respecting the neutrality
of our coasts and waters in Indo-Ch1na, and 1t
should be fully understood that this means the
French neutrality regulations, to which we re-
main always faithful. Through riSappreheh-
sion public opinion is being created that we are
required to respect in questions OF neutrality
not our French regulations on the SUBJECT OuI
the established British system
The foregoing statement gives the view en-
tertained in official quarters here seni-of11clal
note issued this afternoon says:
Contrary to the allegation contained in dis
patch from Hong Kong TO a foreign agency IoS
only has the French government not dlsregstrueC- Zee
the rules of neutrality, but. after sendinS itS
civil and military agents very precise lFS'Fut
tiOns for the enforcement of those rules, the
government has unremttingly seen 70 then
extension
An official of the Foreign Office said to-day:
It is generally known that the japanese In
tellfgence Department is exceptionally ef1cieT-J
Therefore if various speclnc breaches OF heu-
traIity existed the japanese government would
have presented spacffic charges 10 the French
government. So far, however, Japans oIncla'
action has been confined 10 requesting France
to exercise strict neutrality she mas nov iate
any speCffc charges nor have any specinc acts
OF violation of neutrality Yet been brought 10
our attention. The Japanese government asked
in an amiCable spirit that We observe neutrality,
and we answered that we had done. and are
doing. everything possible 70 that end Inc re-
ports TO the contrary we believe 10 be nlsrep-
reservations.
Dr. Motono. the Japanese Minister 10 France
went to the Foreign Office yesterday evening,
where he had a long interview with NJ Del
casse II is understood that DR.. Motono re-
ferred to Japan's increasing impatience regard
ine the alleged breaches of neutrality
The feeling prevails here that the situation IS
gradually assuming much tension. Reports are
current that the positive instructions OF the
French officials here receive perfunCtory execu-
tfon on the part of their subOrdinates in Indo-
China. owing to the sympathy existing between
the civil and naval French and Russian authori-