Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-11
FRANCE WITH RUSSIA
Will Stand With Ally on Knox's
Chinese Proposal.
KOKOVS0FF MEMORANDUM
Cars Minister of Finance Suggested
Liquidation.
ON EXPIRATION OF CONTRACT
st. Petersburg Russ Favors Ameri-
can Plan-Germany Acquiesces
in Principles.
KOKOVSOFF MEMORANDUM
ON EXPIRATION OF CONTRACT

PARIS, January 11.-France's position
relative to the proposition of the United
States for the naturalization of the Man
churian railways was defined semi-offi-
cially today, as follows:
France has no political interest in the
question except to remain loyal to her
ally. Russia, and to do nothing which
might offend Great Britain and Japan.
When those three powers have reached an
agreement France will follow in their
wake.
If, later. an international financial syn
dicate is formed. France will participate
upon the condition that she is afforded a
basis of absolute equality with the most
favored nation
America Received Encouragement.
1t is learned that before submitting the
note, which consists of two separate
propositions-first. China's repurchase of
the Manchurian roads through means of
an international financial sy indicate, and,
second. International support for the con-
struction of the eChin-Chow-Fu-Tsitisk r
railroad-the United States secured the
adhesion in principle of Great Britain and
China without, however, their definite ac-
ceptance of the plan.
1t is believed here that the second part
of the memorandum has the better
chance of success. 1t is assumed that
the United States figures that if this is
accepted it will eventually entail the &C
ceptance of the first part. upon the
theory that the injunction of two paral-
lei roads will prove necessary sooner or
later.
The Associated Press is Informed in an
press is wrong In emphasizing the polit.-
cal size of the American prOp0sftislfs,
which are described here as the outcome
of long and friendly consideration of
all interests concerned, and as in no
wise directed against Japan.
The Temps in it's issue today intimates
that it possesses information showing
that Secretary Knox's proposition for the
naturalization of the Manchurian railways
Was not an Identical note to the powers,
as announced, but varied at the different
capitals. notably st. Petersburg.
Plan Proposed by Kokovsoff.
ST. PETERSBRG, January 1.-THE
Russ in it's issue today prints a secret
memorandum, presented by Minister Of
Finance kokovsof to the cabinet before
his trip in the far east, and which an
ticipates the American proposal for the
naturalization of the Manchurian rail-
ways.
| Discussing the Chinese pretensions to
I'D ;pjc jctr Of ho
which he believed to be unjust, NJ. Ko-
kovsoff said
IF an insistence upon our conditions is
| impossible without risking war. and
we not prepared to support our de-
mands with arms, then the sole solution
| appears to be the liquidation of our con-
cession after the expiration of the term
of our contract and the completion of the
Amur railroad"
Contract Expires in 1882.
The minister's reference to the expira-
ton of the term of contract is to the
date 1882. after which China will have
| the right of purchase.
Continuing. NJ. kokovsof said:
.'Cnder these circumstances the most
satisfactory issue of the difficult relations
between Russia and China would be the
transfer of the administration of the East
Chinese railroad to special international
organization, each nation taking over a
| part of our invested capital and d cor
| responding share of the guaranteed rev.
enueS.
| The date of liquidation must depend
| upon the construction of the Amur rail-
way, as otherwise Primorskaya province
! would be cut off from Russia
Attitude of Russian Press.
| The Russian press generally. is non
committal as regards the American pro-
posal. Only the Bourse Gazette and the
Russ comment editorially upon IT,
| The Gazette believes the plan fantastic
| and aimed to throw the control of the
railways into American hands, in order
TO create a market for American ma
| terials.
The Russ is an enthusiastic advocate
of the purpose of the memorandum, and
says that Russia's answer will show
| whether she intends to pursue an aggres-
| sive policy in the far east or abandon
| finally the schemes of NJ. Bezobrazeff and
| the Abaza Company
| The acceptance of the American plan
| the paper adds. would guarantee the
| peace of the far east, which is indispen-
sable to the United States