New-York tribune., 1910-01-10
FRANCE SKEPTICAL
FEARS J1PAN'S STAND
IN M4NCHURI4.
Press Says america May Be
Forcing japanese Ont
of China.

the preservation OF the open uooT PoiiCy
and Chinese sovereignty In Manchurla,
it considers that the issues raised by the
American proposition to neutrallze the
Manchurian railroads primarily concern
Russia and Japan The French reply to
the American memorandum, therefore. Is
likely to be determined by the eventual
attitude of Russia, Frances ally.
The French press regards the question
as complicated. The. Figaro" thinks
that the United States is trying to re-
trieve its mistake in 19O4-'O5, when it
backed Japan to get Russia out of Man
churia. only to find that Japan had sup
planted her there without benefit to the
open door
Even if Russia accepts" says the
paper, Japan is not likely to agree
England is bound by japanese alliance,
and similar reserve is imposed upon
us. for like and other reasons"
''The Matin' believes that France will
follow Russia's lead
"Gil Bias expresses the opinion that
the situation is filed with gunpowder,
and declares that the real issue is COM
mercial supremacy in China, for which
Cling. 1t charges that the entire aim of
American diplomacy is directed to that
end and insists that the United States
has pushed China to resistance in every
struggle with Japan.
Even after the arrangements of Octo-
ber last year" continues the paper, 'in
which China agreed not to construct a
railroad in competition with the South
Manchurian, American support comes
forward for the construction of the Chin
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES line. Now America
proposes to go further and force Japan
back into Corea, and thus render eff
fective Chinese domination of Man
churia, which to-day is purely nominal.
Secretary Knox's arguments dwell
upon the advantages of terminating the
cause of constantly renewed disputes in
Manchuria, but 1t IS proper to ask
whether the aim of the United States is
always to the benefit of humanity or to
the promotion of her own interests.
Toxic must give the answer. Already
the Yankee policy has compelled Japan
10 take the military precautions which
so greatly alarmed Russia Japan
knows how to act quickly. Therefore,
the Japanese response will be awaited
with inquietude."
La Liberte" considers the American
|. solution as ingenious and inspired by the
generous optimism characteristic of
American diplomacy. 1t regards the
proposition of the American government
as equitable in the interest of peace but
fears that Japan's attitude will not be
encouraging
But the American initiative says
La Liberte.'' will at least show
whether the Imperialism of Japan is
compatible with the peace of the world"
st. Petersburg, Jan. 9.-The Russian
Foreign Office has issued a statement
embodying the memorandum of the
United States government bearing on the
naturalization of the Manchurian rail-
ways.
Harbin. Jan. 9.-The Chinese. British
and American residents have held DEM
onstrations in approval of the American
memorandum. The support of the Brit
ish government has been asked by the
the plan furnishes the only means to
safeguard equal opportunities in trade
and commerce.
Pekins, Jan. 9.-The highest govern
ment officials are pessimistic with re-
gard to British support of the proposals
Of the American government relative to
the Manchurian railways, and believe
that more active German support would
bring about a realization of the scheme
The Chinese government is placing re-
lance on w. w. RockhiIl the American
Ambassador at st. Petersburg. to secure
Russian assent to the proposals, which
would also mean French support.
London, Jan. 1o.-"The Daily News"
in an editorial expressing the hope that
Great Britain will give its fullest support
to the American proposal to neutraIjze
the Manchurian railways says: TT IS
in thorough harmony with Americas
traditions in the Far East, for the United
States Of America is the only Western
country able to look China in the face
without the blush of shame"