THE FAR EAST.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16154, 7 March 1918, Page 7

THE FAR EAST.

JAPAN'S INTERVENTION

MOST DELICATE QUESTION

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) WASHINGTON". March o.

The United Press Agency states authoritatively that President T\ ilson and Cabinet are to-day considering whether to protest against Japanese intervention in Siberia.

The question is regarded as one of a most delicate nature.

The United Press correspondent states that if Japan decides to send an expedition to Russia she will do so without tho United >Statos approval.

COMMENT IN AMERICA. ißeutcr's Telegrams.) NEW YORK, March 5. The Washington correspondents of the New York newspapers state that news of Japan's military action in Siberia is hourly awaited. It is generally believed that, owing to the strict censorship at Tokio, the announcement of Japan's action may be delayed until the expedition arrives in Siberia.

Tlie Washington correspondent of the "World" says that perhaps tho Japanese are already iu Siberia, while a message to the "Times'' records tho growing opinion at Washington that the Allies should be willing to trust Japan to ovaouato tho territory without definite guarantees. The "Tribune" says, editorially: "By breaking faith to-day, Japan could divide the whole of Asia with tho Teuton, but there is no dishonoured treaty m Japan's diplomacv. Let us trust her." ALLIES WILL NOT INTERFERE. , r , PARIS. March 5. -U . I ichon (Foreign Minister) made a. statement t'o the Foreign Xffairs Committee on the. diplomatic situation, ar vr 0 ® usso -J a P<iHe>so negotiations. Members of tho committee afterwards refused to make a precise statea J- 11 *' understood that the Allies had agreed to leavo to Japan the task of intervening in Manchuria and Siberia. RUSSIAN FORCES MASSING.

PEKING, March 5. It is reported that the Russians are massing on the Western Chinese frontier, evidently intending to invade Sin-Kiang. Sin-Kjang extends from Kan-su to the region about tho Pamir. It comprises the greater part of Chinese or .Eastern Turkestan. CHINESE FRONTIER GUARDED.

PEEING,. March 5. Picked troops are guarding file frontiers against the menace of the Siberian disorders. JAPAN AND BRITAIN TO DECIDE.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) (Received March 6th, 11.55 p.m.) WASHINGTON, March 6.

Senator Lewis (Illinois) told the House that Japan and Britain would decide Japan's course as Tegards Siberia. The United States had no agreement or compact with Japaji as regards Russia, and she would probably keep her hands off the Far East situation. America was fighting for democracy, and would not allow the conduct of any foreign people anywhere to endanger the principles of democracy. M. PICHON'S SPEECH.

(Australian and N.Z. Cab 1a Association.)

(Received March 7th, 1.5 a.m.) PARIS, March 5.

The "Matin" says that M. Pichon, in his speech to the Foreign Affairs Committee, (said: —"Bolshevik propaganda is growing in Siberia. The Bolsheviks are planning to plunder the munitions, and it bccomes the Allies' duty to prevent them falling into the enemy's hands through the Bolsheviks. Japan could legitimately act alone, but she prefers to act in concert with the Allies. President Wilson agrees that such action on Japan's part would not conflict with his announced principles. There is no question of taking advantage of Russia's plight in the Allies' interests, but German penetration must be arrestod. Millions of Russians are awaiting deliverance by Japan's intervention.

"It is understood," M. Pichon added, "that all the Allios agree upon Japanese intervention, and only tho details remain unsettled."

OPINION IN JAPAN. TOKIO, March 5. Tho Suyukai and Kensika, parties, which compose a large majority of tho Diet, passed a resolution against the movement of Japanese troops in the Far East until the situation is more menacing. Public opinion deprecatos antagonising Russia, although it dosires to check the German designs.