Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1910-01-06
United States Sends Russia Men,
orandum Inviting That Coun-
try to Participate.
WANTS TO STUDY PROPOSAL
Answer May be Sent Within n Week
And May be Not for
Month.

ST Petersburg. Jan. 5.-The Russian
foreign office has received n mcmoran-
dunn from the United States govern
ment proposing, as a solution for the
Manchurian problem, the neutrsliza-
tIon of railroads In Manchuria by their
sale to China, financed by an interna-
tional syndicate.
The United States invites Russian
participation in such scheme. A
supervision of the railroads would be
placed thereby in the hands of the pow
ers responsible for the financial ar
rangement. who would see that the
lines were conducted on purely busi-
ness basis and not used for political
OF strategic purposes.
Last October when a meeting was
arranged at Hardin between NJ. Ko-
kovsoff. the Russian minister of finance,
and Prince Ito. president of the privy
council of Japan, the sale of the Rus
sian railroad interests in Manchurla
was being seriously considered The
success of the present plan is dependent
upon Japan's assent.
The advantages of such an arrange
ment from the viewpoint OF interna-
tional relations are believed TO be
many, and it will remove constant
source of friction between Russia and
Japan; the doctrine OF equal opportuni-
ty would be safeguarded by the pow
ers, and by closing the line to the
transportation of troops and munitions,
Russlas anxiety with reference to Il
Japanese attack upon Siberia would be
relieved.
Russia, however. is not willing to ac-
cept the suggestion of the United
xVi UIN u ha
subject careful study. An answer to tine
memorandum may be expected in
week, perhaps a month. for experts are
engaged in an investigation of the
whole matter and the cabinet has taken
cognlzance of the memorandum.
The American memorandum further
announces that a syndicate composed
of Americans and Englishmen has OBJ
tanned the concession for the construc-
ton of railroad from Aigun In north
crn Manchurla to Chin Chow Flu, and
that the British and American govern
meHts intend to support IL diplomat
ically. This part of the memorandum
has been received less favorably by
Russia, for, while no statement has
been made regarding It, officials, in
discussing this feature. have asserted
that Russia would strenuously oppose
the crossing of the Russian railroad
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for a railroad to approach the weak
Amur frontier. This would force a
heavy concentration of troops at Blago-
Viestchcnsk.
Difficulties In connection with the
municipalities at HarJin apparently are
in fair way OF settlement. The Unit
ed States has intimated it's desire To
seek an adjustment OF the contentious
clauses of the agreement signed last
May by Russia and China providing
a method of government for the Rus
Sian railroad zone in Manchuria
The agreement consists OF Is articles.
1t Is based on the guaranty of Chinese
sovereignty and fixes the principle of
joint administration. Recently, how
ever several clauses have been under
reconsideration, and the Russian gov
ernment is willing TO accept any fair
bids of agreement suggested by the
United States.