The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-21
Dt MOtORO Presents Japanese
 Claims to DtIcasse
WANT FRANCE ID BE NEUTRAL
Answer Sets Forth That the Russian Warships Are Not Within [
 Three-Mile Limit of NS
 French Influence. Ss

the Japanese minister to called on Foreign Minister Delcas Q o evening and submitted representa- on behalf of Japan concerning the presence of the Russian Pacific squadron in kamrann bay. An official communication issued after the meeting states that Minister Motono's action had not the character of formal protest against an alleged violation of neutrality, but was to ob- tain assurances that France would ob- serve strict neutrality
 Notwithstanding the official version, II is evident that the intention and effect of Minister Montono's action is in the naure of a protest.
 Foreign Minister Delcasse responded to the representations of the Japanese min ister by pointing out the precautions heretofore taken to preserve neutrality and the special instructions sent recently to the governor general of lndo-China concerning continued care to preserve neu- trality. MT. Delcasse's assurances sought to allay the apprehensons of Japan which he maintained had not been justified by any specific facts.
 Exact Terms Not Disclosed.
 The exact terms of Japan's representa- tions have not been disclosed, but It IS understood that while having the usual courteous form of diplomacy yet they set forth that serious apprehensions nao been aroused by the stay of the Russian warships in Kamranh bay, and the UT gent desire that french heutrah'y pe placed beyond doubt.
 The terms of the French response al- though not given out, tend to give ample assurance upon all the questions ralseu'
 The text of the official communication upon the conference is as follows:
 pr Motono. minister of Japan, has taken steps to call the attention or the mn ister of foreign affairs to the reported ,,rasenee. of tlsa Russian vessels In kani- ranh bay. At the ministry of foreign ar fairs. 1t Is stated that Minister Motono action does not take the character or formal protest against alleged Violatioh of neutrality by France relative to the Russian fleet. The Japanese minister particularly desired to obtain rom the French government, as he had done when the Baltic squadron passed Cherbonrg' and more recently when it sojourned off Madagascar some formal assurances that France would continue to observe strlct neutrality. These assurances evidently seemed more and more indispensable to Japan as the Russian fleet approached the coast of Indo- China and entered the theatre of war. The French government has on frequent occasions pointedly af- firmed that all precautions have been taken for the observance of neutrality. Special instructions have even been for warded to Indo-China on the subject. The minister of foreign affairs is therefore able to allay the uneasiness Japan has manifested which has not been justified up to the present by any specific fact
 Is at Most a Brief Stay.
 Besides these general assurances the conference doubtless permitted of the ex planaton of the French point of view concerning the stay of Russian warships in Ramranh bay. It is maintained that this was at most brief sojourn, and not prolonged stay, official information leading to the belief that the squadron actully left Kamranh bay last Sunday.
 No Japanese ships were in the vicinity during the stay of the Russian squadron, and therefore 1t Is held that 1t had not the character of giving asylum to a bel ligerent against the attack of an enemy. Moreover, it is maintained the size of Kamranh bay permits ships to enter and anchor without being within French ter ritorial waters. The bay has a triangu- lar shape, its greatest length being six teen and a half miles, it's greatest width ten miles. and the distance across the en- trance about eight miles, These dimen- sions permit of vessels entering and moor ing without crossing the three mile French shore limit From the French standpoint it is not to be presumed that ships are within French waters until 1t is affirma- lively established that the three mile linn it has been encroached upon
 Furthermore, officials say that France had no previous knowledge that the Rus sian Pacific squadron intended going to Kamranh bay, and therefore. had no opportunity to foresee or guard against the visit.
 Stores Were Not Contraband.
 Concerning the course of the Russian warships in taking on stores, it is main- tained that these were not contraband of war, but were necessary provision such as merchantmen may supply at their own peril. It is pointed out in this con- nect/n that the chief object of contra band. namely coaL had been furnished to the Russian squadron by German ships which took on their cargoes from the British port of Cardiff, presumably for other destinations.
 It remains for 1okio to which the French reply was sent tonight. ro say whether the assurances are considered sufficient.
 The opinion prevails here that M. Del casse's answer is of nature to avert serious complication. It is thought. how ever. that the attitude of socialist depu- ties pomises to bring up the entire ques- tion before the chamber.
 Will Question the Government.
 M Pressense, one of Jaurez's chief lieutenants, has given notice of his n- tention to question the government to- morrow on the presence of the Russian squadron in Indo- Chinese waters. He holds that neutrality has not been ob- served with sufficient vigor. and will ask the government to acquaint the chamber with the precise instructions given the Indo- Chinese authorities, and also whether Admiral Rojestvenskys squad ron has or has not left Kamranh bay. The socialist movement follows the gen eral sentiment in socialist quarters agains the Franco-R Russian alliance.
 The appearance of the question as political issue in Parliament leads to the feeling In some quarters that Rojestven- skys presence in Indp- Chinese waters constitutes consderAble menace to France. and may c 1e to weaken the ba~ Tween Rp nd France.