New-York tribune., 1905-04-21
FRANCE ASSURES JAPAN.
NEUTRALITY RESPECTED.
". DeIoass6's Reply to DR.. NOtonO-
No Formal Protest.

Paris, April 2O.-Acting instructions from
e,s government. DR.. Motono. the japanese Min
,.ter 10 France. called on the Foreign Minis
,sr. n Delcasse this evening and submitted
concentrations behalf Of Japan concerning
tbe presence OF the Russian Pacific Squadron in
Kamranh Bay An Official communication is
-ued after the meeting states that Minister
Wotono's action had not the character OF a for
nal protest against an alleged violation Of neu-
sralty. but was taken to obtain assurances that
France would observe strict neutrality Not
vithstsnding the Official version. it is evident
that the intention and effect OF Dr. Motono's
sction is In the nature OF a protest.
N Delcasse responded to the representations
n the Japanese Minister by pointing out tn
pFeoautions heretofore taken to preserve neu-
trslity and the special instructions recently sen
70 The Governor General OF Indo-China NJ. Del
oasse's assurances sought 10 allay the apprehen-
sions OF Japan, which, he maintained, had not
been justified by any specific facts
The exact terms OF Japans representations
have not been disclosed, but it is understood
that while having the usual courteous form OF
diplomacy, they set forth that serious appre-
tensions had been aroused by the stay OF the
Russian warships IN Kamranh Bay, and the ur-
gent desire that French neutrality be placed be-
yond doubt
The terms OF The French response. although
not given out tend 10 give ample assurances on
aI the points raised. The text OF the official
communication relative 10 the conference is as
follows:
DR.. Motono, Minister Of Japan, has taken steps
70 call the attention Of the Minister OF Foreign
Affairs 10 the reported presence Of Russian YES
sels in Kamranh Bay. At the Ministry of For
eign Affairs Il is stated that Minister Motonos
action does not take the character OF a formal
protest against alleged violation of neutrality by
Franoa relative 10 the Russian fleet. The
fffr7c priv cfro1 lin
from the French government, as he had done
when the Baltic SQUADRON passed Cherbourg and
mere recently when il sojOurned of MAZDA gascar.
some formal assurances that France would con-
tinue 70 observe strict neutrality These
surances evidently seemed more and more in
dispensable 10 Japan as the Russian feet ap-
preached the coast Of lndo-China and entered
the theatre Of war.
The French government has on frequent CO
oasions pointedly affirmed that all precautions
have been taken for the observance Of neu-
tTality. Special instructions have even been
forwarded 10 Indo-China the subject The
Minister Of Foreign Affairs is. therefore able
20 allay the uneasiness Japan has manifested.
which has not been justified up 10 the present
BY any specific fact
Besides these general assurances the confer
ence doubtless permitted the explanation Of the
French point Of view concerning the stay Of
Russian warships IN Kamranh Bay. Il IS main
tained that this was at most a brief sojourn
and not q prolonged stay. official information
KRmranh Bay last Sunday. No japanese ships
were in the vicinity during the stay OF the Rus
sian squadron. and. therefore. it is held, France
was not in the position of giving asylum 10 a
bslngerent against the attack Of an enemy.
Il is also maintained the size Of KamTanh
Bay permits ships 10 enter and anchor without
being within French territorial waters. The
bay has a triangular shape. its greatest length
being sixteen and a half miles. its greatest
width ten miles and the distance across
the entrance about eight miles. These dirnen-
sions permit vessels 10 enter and moor without
crossing the three-raile French shore limit
From the French point Of view it is not to be
presumed that ships are within French waters
until II is established that the three-mile limit
has been encroached on. Furthermore. officials
say France had no previous knowledge that the
Russian second Pacific squadron intended
going 10 Kamranh Bay. and. therefore. had no
opportunity TO guard against the visit.
Concerning the course OF the Russian war
ships in taking on stores. It is maintained that
these We're not contraband OF war. but were
necessary provisions. such as merchantmen may
supply at their own peril II is pointed out in
this connection that the chief article Of contra
band-coal-had been furnished 10 the Russian
squadron by German ships, which took on their
cargoes from the British port Of Cardiff. pre-
Sunably for other destinations
II remains for Toxic. TO which the French re-
ply was sent tonight. 10 say whether the as
surances are considered sufficient. The opinion
prevails here that II DeIcasse's answer IS Of a
nature 10 avert serious complications. The atti-
tude Of Socialist Deputies. however. promises to
bring the entire question before the Chamber.
II. Pressense one Of n. Jaures's Ieutenants has
given notice Of his intention TO ask the govern
ment tomorrow about the presence Of the Rus
sian squadron in Indo- Chinese waters. He holds
that neutrality has not been observed with suffi
cient vigor. and VIII ask the government to ac-
Quaint the Chamber with the precise instruc-
uons given the Indo-Chinese authorities. and
also viii ask whether Admiral Rojestvensky's IS
squadron has or has not left Kamranh Bay.
The Socialist movement follows the general
sentiment in Socialist quarters against the
Franco Russian alliance. The appearance Of
the question as political issue in Parliament
leads 10 the feeling in some quarters that Ro-
iesvensl5y's presence in Indo-Chinese waters
constitutes a considerable menace. and may op-
crate 10 weaken the bonds between Russia and
France