JAPAN EXPECTED TO INTERVENE IN SIBERIA

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 151, 15 March 1918, Page 5

JAPAN EXPECTED TO INTERVENE IN SIBERIA

FREED AUSTRO-GERMAN PRISONERS A MENACE GERMANS TRANSPORTING SUBMARINES TO VLADIVOSTOK (Rec, March 14, 11.55 p.m.) New York, March 13. The United Press correspondent at Tokio says: "France unconditionally favours Japanese intervention. Britain also favours provided America approves. The Japanese Advisory Council has postponed its meeting T)oinling advices from America. The political situation is satisfactory. Authoritative opinions expect intervention within a month. The Japanese regard the freed Austro-German prisoners in Siberia as a growing menace The newspaper 'Jiji' learns that the Germans are transporting parts of five submarines to Vladivostok. The paper adds: "Japan is the only Power able to check the Germans' march seaward.' "—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

"JAPAN WILL FULFIL HER DUTY" PREVENTING RUSSIA BEING WIPED OFF THE MAP. New York, March 13. The "New York Herald's" correspondent at Paris interviowed M. Pichon, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who said: "Japan's hour has struck. We may expect she will fulfil her duty with firmness and loyalty. Japan is destined to play a foremost role in preventing Russia heing wiped Oβ the map."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GERMANY'S RUSSIAN POLICY

CEMENTED ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE.

Amsterdam, March 13. The German Press is reticent concerning Japan. The only serious comment so far has'been in the "Frankfurter Zeitung" and the' "Vossische Zeitung." The former declares that Germany played the Entente's game of excluding Germany from the Asiatic markets by the breaking up of Russia, thus giving the Entente an excuse to encourage Japanese penetration.. Germany has no more hope now than before of conducting a Far Eastern policy, except in connection with Britain and Russia. Herr Balzniaun, in an article in the "Vossischo Zeitung," says: "Germany's Russian policy has cemented the Anglo-American and the Anglo-Japanese alliances, and the security of Britain's Indian, Australian, and colonial possessions has been renewed. Germany again finds herself friendless in the world, whilo Britain laughs in the background."—Reuter, GERMAN ACTIVITY ON EASTERN FRONT DISCONTINUED FIGHTING IN THE UKRAINE. ' (Rec. March 14, 7.35 p.m.) Amsterdam, March 13. Berlin advices state that activity on the Eastern front has been discontinued, but there is intensified fighting against bands, especially in the Ukraine, where the Maximalist commandos include Czech f.nd Austrian deserters. A severe battle with the Bolshoviki is proceeding to the north-east of Kieff. The principal combatants aro Czech deserters, who have heavy artillery.—Reuter. GERMAN TROOPS ENTER ODESSA. (Rec. March 14, 7.35 p.m.) • London, March 13. A German official report states:—"Tho Austro-Germans aro before Odessa."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. New York, March 13. The German troops have entered Odessa.—Reuter. THE DUKEDOM OF COURLAND OFFERED TO THE KAISER. Copenhagen, March 13. A message' from Berlin states that the Courland Diet has offered tho Kaiser the Dukedom of Courland.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. [The Baltic province of Courland was formerly an independent Duchy.] ■ PREMIER OF FINLAND FLED TO BERLIN. Amsterdam, March 13. ■ The Premier of Finland, Svin Hufud, escaped from the Rod Guards, and has arrived in Berlin.—Reuter. CENTRAL POWERS EXPLOITING THE RUMANIAN OILFIELDS. The Haguo, March 13. Negotiations aro progressing at Bucharest for tho exploitation of tho Rumanian oilfields. Representatives of Austrian and German banks are participating. It is proposed to form a monopoly for the entire industry with German capital of eight hundred million marks (nearly £40,000,000) and Austrian capital of one hundred million kroner (a little'over £4,000,000).— Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

BEITISH INTERESTS IN SPITZBERGEN. London, March 13. The Boyal Geographical Society, in a resolution forwarded to Mr. Balfonr (Secretary for Foreign Affairs), pointing out the importance of safeguarding British interests in Spitsbergen and the extensive deposits of steam enal, says that. British subjects already possess large interests there Mr. Balfour replied that tlio question of Spitzoergen must be discussed by several foreign Governments, but British interests there will beborno in mind.—Avis.-N.Z. Cable Assn.