Peking, Dec. 4
The native pr s has had quite a lot to say of late with regard to the tripartite conference sitting at Kiachta in connexion with Russo-
Sino-Mongolian questions. Most the comment has been that th conference has been abortive, an that the Chinese delegates have suspended negotiations. This is not correct, Authoritative Chit ese state that the conference proceeding satisfactorily; that several points have been agreed upon, and that the balance of the questions outstanding will be set tied in due course. Tt is a fact, however, that the Chinese delegates have endeavoured to secure consideration de nove of many of the questions embodied in the agreement originally signed—between Russia and Mongolia, and later accepted by China, an action to which the Russian delegates demurred. At times a dead lock has appeared inevitable, but before a crisis has been reached an adjustment of difference has been arranged.
This attitude of the Chinese delegates does not, however, inspire the Russians with much hope continued progress, and the feeling exists that unless the Chinese Government definitely instructs its delegates to adhere strictly to dis cussion on the basis of the existing agreement the conference will the way of the one recently held in Simla in connexion with Tibetan affairs.
It is interesting to note that in in October last the Russians and the Mongolians arrived at an agreement in connexion with the construction of railways. While the Russian Government recognizes the right of Mongolia to build railways within her own territory, it is stipulated that it shall be consulted by Mongolia as to what lines should be built and the procedure to be followed in their construction. The Russian Government undertakes to render adequate help to the Mongolian Gov ernment whether the lines are financed by the Russian or Mongolian Governments or by private persons.
Consulations are to be held with' regard to connexion between Mongolian and Russian railway; and the Russian Government. consulted before the Mongolian Government gives any railway concession to any other ivr. eign national. In other woris Russia will be the dominant factor in deciding what railways shall be built in Mongolia and how they shall be built.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.