The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-01-21
japanese Government Hands Its
Reply to Mr.. O'Brien
In the Matter of Naturalization
Of Manchurian Road.
PROPOSAL DECLINED.
RusSia's Answer to KnOx'S Note
Delivered to ROckhilI
And Is Practically of the Same
PurpOrt.

Toxic, Jan. 21.-The reply of the Jap
arese government to the United States
proposal for the naturalization of the
Manch urisn railways was handed to
American Ambassador O'Brien this af-
ternoon.
1t is a polite declination.
No intimatiou of the contents of the
memorandum of reply is given but the
best information obtainable indicates
that the communication is brief and
that the declination to accept the neu-
tralization proposition is based ON sew
eral grounds, the chief of which are:
The American plan would be OF no
advantage whatever to Japan. Il
would afford no advantage to China.
1t would not change the commercial
situation in Manchuria where Japan is
adhering strictly to it's pledges of an
open door and equal opportunity.
1t is understood that the reply is.
eouched in terms of friendly appreci-
alton of the American purpose, but it
is not OF an argumentative character
and its conclusions are not qualified.
Russia Follows Suit.
st. Petersburg, Jan. 21.-Russia's re-
ply to Secretary Knox's note propos-
ian railways was delivered to AmbaS-
sador Rockhill today.
1t has been understood generally that
japan and Russia would take identical
action on the American proposal
The Russian communication rejects
the proposal for the naturalization of
existing railroads. 1t states also that
the Russian government considers the
alternative proposition for its COM
pletion in an international syndicate
for the construction of the Chin Chow
Aigun line acceptable in principle but
because Of the political and strategical
Importance of the enterprise and it's
bearing on the East Chinese railroad
Russia will defer final answer on. this
subject pending the receipt of informa-
ton as to the principles of the Ameri-
can project. Russia reserves the right
to pass upon all such projects as af-
fecting it's political. strategic and
economic interests. The note of reply
throughout is in a friendly tone and
the American proposition is criticized
strongly on its intrinsic merits.
1t Was Expected.
Washington, Jan. 21.-Press kilograms
from Toxic and ST. Petersburg received
this morning stating that the proposal
of the United States for the neutraliza-
ton of the Manchurian railways had
been rejected by both Japan and Rus
sia, were read with great interest at
the state department.
Secretary Knox and Assistant Secre-
tary Wilson were not at the depart
ment, as they had been called to the
believe that from unofficial sources the
state department. for some days, has
been in possession of the information
that the action announced by Japan
and Russia today might be looked for.
There is no doubt that this result OF
Secretary Knox's effort to eliminate the
Manchurfan railways from the policies
of the far east, thus minimizing the
danger of war, is a keen disappoint-
ment to the officials.
Whether the matter will end with the
action of Japan and Russia is proble-
matical.
1t is believed to be quite possible that
with the rejection of the proposition to
neutralize the railways in Manchuria
owned by Russia and Japan, the United
States NAV turn it's attention to the
question of financing in conjunction
with Great Britain and other European
nations. the construction of the pro-
posed railroad which will run from Chin
Chow Flu to Tsitshar. tbs road will
tap the Russian Transsiberian road at
Tsitshar. This proposition formed a
part of Secretary Knox's alternative
naturalization plan and it seems prob
able that all of the powers including
Russia and japan, may signify their
willingness to cooperate with the
United States in neutralizing the par-