CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910 — Page 467

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

[B]

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AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[27406]

CO

24838

[July 29.]

SECTION 1.

12-12 AUG 12

No. 1.

464

(No. 323.) Šir,

Sir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received July 29.)

St. Petersburgh, July 24, 1910. I HAVE the honour to report that the "Novoe Vremya" of to-day's date publishes a leading article on the Chinese reply to the Russo-Japanese agreement. The "Novoe Vremya" says that the new agreement is so clearly expressed that it would be impossible to misconstrue it. Its sole aim is the maintenance of the status quo, as defined by existing treaties, and it gives no advantage to Russia or Japan prejudicial to China. The only novelty which it introduces is the agreement by Russia and Japan to co-operate in certain cases in which up till now they have acted independently, as, for instance, when Russia negotiated with China in connection with the ceded territory along the Eastern Chinese Railway, and when Japan exchanged notes with Washington on the subject of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway without keeping Russia informed. In both instances complications resulted for Russia and Japan without in any way benefiting China; in fact, they were only welcomed by unfriendly third parties. The dangerous possibilities of such a situation have resulted in the signing of the Russo-Japanese convention, an instrument which has naturally aroused the hostility of those who have been indulging in dark prognostications and calculating upon differences between Russia and Japan.

The article then proceeds to a consideration of the note from the Chinese Government in answer to the convention. The text of this note was published here yesterday. The Novoe Vremya" considers that the answer of the Chinese Government, "after a careful consideration of the contents of the text of the convention," has disappointed the hopes of those who had incited China to protest against the agreement. The Chinese Government might merely have acknowledged the receipt of the text of the convention. This would not have been evident disapproval, but it would have been construed as a silent reproach. But the Chinese Government did not wish there to be any misunderstanding about their attitude, and so have given a frank and definite answer. They have treated the matter in a wise and sober spirit, and will have no cause to regret that they did not accept the advice which had been offered them. Correctly appraising the value of the Russo-Japanese agreement, the Chinese Government have abandoned the policy of opposition, and have thereby joined in the circle of those who desire the peaceful development of Manchuria, as important for China as Russia.

The article concludes with the hope that China will not swerve from the line she has adopted, and points to the excellent results of an open and direct policy, which is not only the most dignified but the most expedient for a great State.

I have, &c.

[2827 ƒƒ—1]

A. NICOLSON.