JAPAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 March 1918, Page 5

JAPAN.

ENERGETIC MEASURES. / SO SAVE MINES FROM GERMANS. ACTION ENDORSED BY FRANCE. London, March 1It i 9 generally believed that Japan intends to adopt energetic measures if peace is concluded at Brest Litovsk. She it determined to prevent the Germans selling the copper and platinum mines in the Ural Mountains, also to save the vast munitions nnil stores at Vladivos- | toefc. It is understood she has already approached America. Japan is even willing to co-operate with American troops if the Allies' consider this -advisable. The Daily Chronicle's diplomatic correspondent states that-Japan's active intervention in the war is strongly favor- . ed by France, particularly by M. Clenieneeau and M. Nichon. Public opinion in. England is awaiting the Government's definite lead. It 13 well known that General Foch in November foresaw the possibility of the matter being discussed at an Allied War Council at Paris. It is now obvious that Japan cannot remain a spectator of events which are placing the Russians under complete subaction to Germany and imperilling Japan's existence as an Empire. THE REASON FOR ACTION. SECURITY ENDANGERED, Aus\ and N.Z. Ca,ble Assoc, and Router. Received March 3. 5.20 p.m. l*ndon, March 2. It is reported in London that Japan, hitherto, Has only sounded the Allies regarding intervention and did not make any proposals. Japanese circles in London declare that Japan does not seek ag- , grandisement, but recognise* that Japan's security in the Far East is endangered, by the new Russian situation ASSISTING RUSSIA. 1 TO LIFT GERMAN BURDEN. United Service. Received March 3, 5.20 p\m. London, March 2. The Daily Mail understands that the British and Japanese Governments stress ■the fact that Japan's intervention in Russia is in no sensa to be construed as hostile to Russia or the Russian Government. Its purpose, apart from the pro- < tectum of Allied interests, is to assist ißussia to lighten, and eventually to lift, the German burden.^ A LIMITED INTERVENTION. CAPABLE OF EXTENSION. Received March 3, 5.5 p.m. . Paris, March 2. I_e Petit Journal says that the impending Japanese intervention explains the Entente ambassadors departure from Petrograd. The intervention at first will depend on advances elsewhere. CHINESE CO-OPERATION. 100,000 TONS OF WAR STORES AT STAKE. Received March, 3, 5.5 p.m. Shanghai, March 2. It is understood that China and Japan nave arranged to intervene in Eastern Siberia, whenever it is necessary, in order to save 500,000 tons of munitions and Var stores, which have accumulated at iVladivostock. It is announced in Tokio that Japan will only act after the fullest discussion and-complete agreement with America and Britain. AMERICAN PRESS COMMENTS. New York, March 1. Newspapers discuss at length Japan's possible participation in Liberia, pointing out thaf her assistance would now be of maximum value. The Herald urges that the Government agree to Japan's help before it is too late, The World's Washington correspondent learns that J:'pan considers that Eussia bv lip coTi-*-- '"•= Molted her sphere of influence in northern Masi churia. China hi....... ..nio view.