SIBERIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1919, Page 5

SIBERIA.

INDEPENDENT ACTION. REVERSAL OF ALLIED POLICY. London, May 15 (delayed). The Manchester Guardian states that' Japan's recognition of General Koltchak, who claims to be the legitimate ruler of all Russia, is equivalent to a declaration of war on the Bolsheviks and a complete reversal of the Allied policy. This independent action suggests independent interests and an independent bargain. The newspaper asks: Has Koltchak promised Japan the remaining section of the Manehurian railway or a predominant position for the exploitation of eastern Siberia?

There are also numerous hints that Koltchak has conferred on Japan the suzerainty over Mongolia. The question manifestly involves China, which may find the whole north circled by Japanese railway spheres and interests. Their transactions over Shantung and with Koltchak threaten to give Japan practicallv a. monopoly of enormous markets. The Daily News says that Japan's recognition of General Koltchak gives a very sinister point to Sir Douglas Haig's speech. The newspaper asks if the step means the cold assertion of Japan's determination to stand out for her claims in the East before the West has sufficiently recovered to dispute them.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.