THE FAR EAST.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16151, 4 March 1918, Page 7

THE FAR EAST.

JAPAN AND RUSSIA. t * b I*XITEI> STATES ATTITUDE. (By Obit.-Press Association.—Copyright.; (Australian and X.Z. Ca'olo Association.) NEW YORK, March 1. '['ho United Press Washington correspondent learns that- at a mooting bo- | tween President Wilson and _ tho Cabinet it was decided that the United c States would raise no objection to o Japan sending troops to Siberia in self defence. but the United States will not participate. FRANCE FAVOURS d INTERVENTION. LONDON, -March 1. It is generally believed that Japan intend* to take" energetic measures if peace is concluded at Brest Litovsk. She is determined to prevent the Csermans from seizing tho copper and ? platinum mines in the Urals: and also to save the vast munitions stores at r Vladivostok;. It is understood that she has already approached America. Japan is even willing to co-operate with American troops if the Allies consider such a course advisable. Tho "Daily Chronicle's" diplomatic correspondent states that Japan's active intervention in the war is strongly favoured bv France, particularly bv M. Cloment-eau (Prime Minister) and ] M. Pichou (Foreign Minister). Public opinion in England is awaiting the Government's definite lead. It is well known that General Foeh, in ' November, lure saw the possibilities, i and the matter was discussed at the • Allied War Council at Paris. 1 It is now obvious that Japan cannot remain a spectator of the events which are placing Russia under complete subjection to Germany, and imperilling Japan's existence as an Empire. AMERICAN PRESS OPINION. NEW YORK, March 1. The newspapers discuss at length Japan's possible participation in the war by intervention in Siberia, pointin-" out that her assistance would now be" of the maximum value. The "Now York Herald" urges the Government to agree to Japan s liolp before it is too late. The "Washington correspondent of the "New York World" lenrns that Japan considers that Russia, by her collapse, has forfeited her sphere of influence in Northern Manchuria. China shares this view. SERIOUS MENACE IN SIBERIA. ("Thn Timea.") TOKIO, March'l. It is reported that 2C0.000 AustyoGernian prisoners in Siberia have been liberated and supplied with arms. This is regarded as a serious menace. The Maximalists are reported to have seized the munitions at Vladivoatoek. CHINA AND JAPAN TO COOPERATE. (Australian and A'.Z. Cable Association.) (Received March 3rd. 0.0 p.m.) SHANGHAI, March 1. It is understood that China anil j Japan have arranged to intervene in Eastern Siberia, whenever necessary, in order to save tons of munitions and war stores which haVo • accumulated at Yladivostock. i It is announced by Tokio that Japan ' will only act after the fullest discus - : sion and complete agreement of llritain | and Amorica. • "SAVING RUSSIA FROM THE HUN. I (Received March 3rd, fi.C p.m.) LONDON, March ->• The "Daily Mail" undoretandr. that the British and Japanese stress the fact that Japan's intervention ii\ Russia is in no setose to bo orii- , strued as hostile Russia, or to tho Russian Government. Its purpose, apart from the protection of Allied interests, i? to assist Itussxa to lighten, and eventually to lift, tho German burdon. i It is reported in London that Japan - hitherto has only sounded the /Dlios • regarding intervention, and ban not made definite proposals. Japanese circles in London declare • that Japan docs not nook aggrandisoi ment, but recognises that her security . m tho Far EasL is endangered by the new ltussian situation. FRENCH JOURNAL'S COMMENT. (Ropeivetl March 3rd, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, March J. Tho "Petit Journal" eoys:— "The impending Jananeso intervention explains tht» Entonte Ambassadors j departure from J'otrograd. Japan's intervention at first will be limited to re-establishing order in Siberia. Any cxteasica of her intervention will depend on the advance olsowhore." ATTEMPTED RAPPROCHEMENT. (Received March 3rd, 5.5 p.m.) SHANGHAI, March 2.' In view of China's dojision to cooperate wth Japan to safeguard her interests in Siberia, renewed efforts are ,) being made to eifoct a reconciliation between North and South China.