The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-05-02
VIZ SPEAK TOCHINAF FOR JAPAN
THREATENED BREACH or LAWS
or NEUTRALITY POINTED OUT.

japan Fears Ships informed 81 Shanghai
VIII Attempt 20 Join ROje0tyenslky' =
Fleet--Amerioan Aid Qulekly Given
Objection Also 10 Use OF HAlnan Island
WARRINGTON. May i.-Acting upon a
request from Kogoro Takahira the japanese
Minister, the State Department has made
! representations to the Chinese Government,
through the American Legation In Pekin
concerning the observance Of neutrality
by China with reference TO the presence Of
Russian war vessels in her harbors.
Japan has been aroused by the reported
preparations for sea by tho Russian cruiser
Askold and destroyer which have been laid
up In the harbor at Shanghai. The Japa-
nese Government fears that the two vessels
intend to slip out Of the harbor and at an
opportune moment join Admiral Rojest-
vensky's feet. II this were done II would
be q grave breach Of international law,
and would probably lead TO serious com
plicatlons.
The request Of the japanese Legation
was at once sent TO Mr.. coolidge, charge
d'Ahaires Of the United States at Peldn.
Japan has also, ii IL understood. made
direct representations TO the Chinese Gov
eminent. The two vessels at Shanghai
we're driven there by Admiral Togo last
year According to international rules
OF law, they either had to depart within
twenty-four houTs, or when needful repairs
were made, or dismantle and remain in the
harbor until the end Of hostilties. The
Russian cruiser Lena is now interned at
San Francisco under those conditions.
Japan sought the aid Of the American
Government in this important matter be-
cause Of the Governments attitude in Chi
nese affairs and it's influence wit the au-
thorities at Pekin. word Of warning from
the United States to China that the Russian
vessels must not be allowed to depart. 1t
was thought would carr much weight.
It is not believed here that Russia will
now dare to Ia her intemed warships
out Of Chinese waters.
A plausible explanation Of Russia's pro-
test against alleged violations Of Chinese
neutrality by the Japanese, made in a cir
cular note to the Powers early this year. is
now suggested At the time Of the protest
Russia's object was not at all clear. She
declared that Japan had repeatedly violated
Chinese neutrality, and also that China had
aided Japan in various ways. The note
brought forth such clear statements from
DOlh Niild anu Jdpdlt az "tll az SohhOOA
charges that Russia's declared intention Of
doing as she pleased regarding Chinese
neutrality thereafter was made impossible
Of fulhlment 1t was conjectured freely
then that Russia was preparing 10 disregard
Chinese neutrality and that the charges
were made against Japan only to extenuate
In way any violation Of which Russia
might be guilty in the future. The necee-
sity Of base for the Russian feet, when il
reached the China Sea, was foreseen by
neutral observers, and the subsequent Occur
patton Of Hainan Island bore out the pre-
dictons made at the time Of the protests,
that Russia intended TO seize a base for
her Baltic feet. II the occupation Of the
Chinese Islands Is now directly charged TO
Russia, that Government can defend its
position by replying that Japan had fire.
quently violated Chinese neutrality, fact
10 which the attention OF the Powers was
called by Russian circular note.