Russia News Pre-1900

[Guinness]

Sankt-Peterburgskie Vedomosti

April 21, 1885

St. Petersburg -- The Imperial Court was alive this week with rumors of new diplomatic initiatives, highlighted by reports that Minister for Foreign Affairs Nicholas de Giers himself could be seen exiting the French Embassy last Wednesday. There have been other rumors of high level diplomatic contacts with the Prussian Court, and the Court of Queen Victoria in Britain. This comes after earlier confirmed reports that military missions would be sent to all three countries this summer.

Additionally, it has come to the attention of the Vedomosti that queries have been placed with the imperial courts of China and Japan as to their interest in exchanging ambassadors.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs refused to comment, saying only that they give no credence to the usual palace rumor and innuendo.