THE FAR EAST.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16155, 8 March 1918, Page 7

THE FAR EAST.

JAPAN AND RUSSIA. AMERICA'S ATTITUDE DEFINED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Rcceivcd March Bth, 1.20 a.m.) WASHINGTON, March 7. Semi-official sources point out that v.hilo America lias clearly declared that she "will not assent to Japanese intervention, America has not protested against intervention. This decision was rcn-chcd after lengthy consultation at Washington. Diplomats arc hopeful that Japan will understand the American attitude and realise that America's attitude in withholding her assent does not imply the slightest suspicion of Japan. America recognises that Japan would be tho natural Power to interfere if necessary. Semi-official information reaching Washington indicates that Japan has not yet entered Siberia. J A PANISSE INTERVENTION POSTPONED. (By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N. 2. Cablo Association.) WASHINGTON, March 6. • Tie Japanese Embassy indicates that the plans for Japanese intervention in Siberia have ben postponed, owing to America's attitude. The Chinese Embassy at Washington has indicated that China supports Amorica's policy concerning Japan's intervention. AMERICA OPPOSES INTERVENTION. NEW YORK, March C. Washington officials feel that liiA Japanese expedition to Siberia v.ill akl Leniv.'s campaign against the Allies. Tin> Government has informed Japan, through the Allies, that America does not consider that Japanese intervention is advisable. The Poking correspondent of the "New York Times" sayß that the Chinese Cabinet has decided to send an army of 20,000 Chinese to Siberia simultaneously with the Japanese. Washington correspondents assert that it may bo taken for granted that Japan intends to go to Siberia, but America considers that the expedition is not needed to protect Japan's interests. Fear is expressed that Russia may misconstrue Japan's object. Tho Washington correspondent of tho "New York Herald" says that, while tho Government does not assent to the expedition, it will not obstruct the Japanese action. Japan must shoulder the responsibility.' The Washington correspondent of the "New York World" learns that Japanese troops are already concentrated in Korea and Southorn Manchuria, ready for action. COMMENT IN GERMANY. AMSTERDAM, March 6. German newspapers, commenting eit Japan, profess to believe that she is playing her own game against the Entente. Some even say that her real intention is to hoodwink the Allies and enter into a friendly contract with the Central Powers across Russia. The "Weser Zeitung" ridicules tho idea thnt there is any danger due to the German and Austrian prisoners in Siberia. Japan's object, it says, is to increase her colonial empire on the Asiatic Continent, and the present opportunity is highly favourable, as the Germans are nearly 4000 miles awiy. Japan would like to act alone, but there would be advantages in cooperating with America and England. The "Westfalisclie Zeitung" says: "Japan's policy is purely selfish' She seeks to realise her dream of 'Japanising' China and Siberia." GERMAN ACTIVITIES IN CHINA, (United Service.) LONDON, March 6. The "Daily Mail's" correspondent at Tien-tsin states that numerous disturbing reports are reaching Peking regarding German activities and intrigues in the. border provinces, and the presence of hostile troops in Northern Manchuria. The Military Governor of ELirin telegraphed urgently for reinforcements to oppose tho troops marching in Takuti and Hielung-chiang. Twenty thousand Red Guards and numerous Bolsheviks at Vladivostock are using the Chinese Eastern railway in Manchuria.