JAPS IN SIBERIA.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 4, 5 January 1920, Page 5

JAPS IN SIBERIA.

ARMY TO BE INCREASED. CHECKING BOLSHEVISM. A FREE HAND SUGGESTED. (By Cable.—Press Assoclatlon.-Copyrisht.) (Received 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, January 4. Semi-official advices from Tokio explain that considerable movements of Japanese troops to the seaboard are reinforcements intended to bring the three divisions now in Siberia to war strength. The Japanese Peace Mission denies the American statements that there are eighty-three thousand Japanese troops already in Siberia, asserting that the troops sprinkled between Lake Baikal and Vladivostok do not exceed thirtyfive thousand. Japan does not disguise her intention of stemming the Bolshevik advance towards Lake Baikal. Whatever Americans say it is believed that America will accept the Allies' pressure and will consent to this. Military experts consider the task easy. Occupation would give Japan command of the valuable Amur region, and domination of the whole of Korthern Mongolia and Manchuria. Leading British newspapers favour giving Japan a free hand in Siberia. The "Times" says Jatian is naturally determined to arrest Bolshevism in the regions adjacent to her spheres of interest. The Allies' policy is to assist all Border States to fight Bolsheviks. A "Daily Mail" editorial declares that Japan's intervention is necessary for saving civilisation and protecting China from incalculable perils of Bolshevik interference.— (United Service.)

PERIL TO THE EAST.

ROAD TO INDIA OPEN. • LONDON, January 4. London newspapers are alarmed at the Bolshejjk menace in India. Major-General Sir F. B. Maurico, writing in the '"Daily News," points out that the Red Army's road to India is now open. The Allied policy towards Russia has broken down. At present there is no policy at all. The situation will not brook delay because the Bolsheviks can now establish direct com-1 miinieation with Persia, Afghanistan,' and the North-west frontier of India, j and reports from Russia show that they are prepared to take advantage of this. (A. aad N.Z. Cable.)