CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910 — Page 233

[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] 231

о

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[20107]

No. 1.

19141 [June 6.]

SECTION 23 JUN 10

(No. 157.) Sir,

Mr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received June 6.)

Peking, May 18, 1910. I HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith copy of a despatch from His Majesty's consul at Harbin respecting the Russo-Japanese Society which has been recently established in that town. I do not transmit the enclosures to Mr. Sly's despatch, as they are lengthy and of no particular interest, and the principal points are contained in his covering despatch. Mr. Sly goes fully into the aims, objects, nature, and probable influence of this society. It has been formed to develop and improve commercial relations between Russia and Japan and to disseminate a knowledge of the language of each country among the subjects of the other. it will probably not be easy in the future for the association to adhere strictly to its original programme, which is likely to assume a political aspect as time goes on, and the fear has already been expressed in the local Russian press that the association will serve rather to increase Japan's influence in Northern Manchuria than to develop Russia's commercial relations with Japan.

But

I should not have troubled you with this lengthy despatch were it not that the establishment of this society appeared to me indicative of a desire to improve the relations between the authorities of the two countries in Manchuria.

For many weeks there have been rumours current here as to negotiations proceeding between the Russian and Japanese Governments for the conclusion of a convention is regard to their present position and future policy in Manchuria. The papers have published more or less definite statements as to the scope and object of these negotiations, and a few days ago a short résumé of a letter from the St. Petersburgh correspondent of the "Times" was telegraphed out by Reuter to the effect that Russia and Japan have realised the expediency of a closer understanding in political and economic affairs and recognised that their interests would be strengthened by a tendency towards rapprochement.

At present there is nothing but rumour to go on, but I learn that the Chinese Government are nervous as to the possible results of any such rapprochement between the two former rivals in Manchuria.

My Japanese and Russian colleagues are unable to give me any information, in fact, I believe, they have none to give, but Mr. Ijuin says that he has no doubt that some negotiations of the nature indicated are proceeding, and that his Government would inform His Majesty's Government as soon as they assumed any definite shape. Mr. Ijuin is of opinion that any rapprochement between Russia and Japan must be ascribed to the unreasonable attitude of the American Government in regard to Manchuria, and more especially to the Knox railway neutralisation scheme, the net results of which, in the opinion of most of my colleagues, have been to show up American diplomacy in rather a ridiculous light, and to prove to Russia and Japan that they have certain common interests in Manchuria, e.g., the administration of their respective railway zones, and that it will be to their mutual advantage to show a united front in regard to such questions vis-à-vis the other Powers,

I have, &c.

W. G. MAX MÜLLER.

Enclosure in No. 1.

(No. 11.) Sir,

Acting Consul Sly to Mr. Max Müller.

Harbin, May 11, 1910. I HAD the honour in my despatch No. 9 of the 30th ultimo to refer to the Russo-Japanese society recently established in Harbin and to state that I hoped to be able to furnish you with additional information in regard thereto in a few days.

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