EASTERN SIBERIA.

Evening Star, Issue 17241, 5 January 1920, Page 6

EASTERN SIBERIA.

CONCESSION TO . JAPAN

IF SHE STEMS BOLSHEVISM,

AMERICAN DEMUR

LONDON, January 2

(Received January 5 at 9 a.m.)

Further great Bolshevik gains in South Russia - aro reported, mating Denikin’s position worse. The capture of the Don basin is depriving him of the only railway uinning across his front. The Soviet-Esthonian armistice fixes the frontiers with a neutral zone on the east bank of the Narva, and the neutralisation of tho Gulf of Finland, Bolshevik Russia renounces for ever her pretensions against Esthonia.

The ‘Daily Mail’ describes this agreement as a great victory for the Bolsheviks, and adds; “ Tho Allies are looking to Japan to stop the Bolshevik advance. When her troops occupy the great area of Eastern Siberia she will have gained a new place in the world, rivalling the status of the great western Powers. LONDON, January 5. Semi-official advices from Tokio explain that the considerable movements of Japanese troops to the seaboard are reinforcements intended to bring the three diivsions now in Siberia rip tf'war strength. Tho Japanese peace mission denies the American statements that there are 85,000 Japanese troops already in ' Siberia, asserting that the troops are sprinkled between Lake Baikal and Vladivostock, and do not exceed 35,000. Japan does not disguise her intention of stemming tho Bolshevik advance towards Lake Baikal, whatever the Americana say. 11 is believed that America will accept the Allies’ pressure, and consent to this. Military experts consider the task easy. This occupation would give Japan command of the valuable Amur region, and the domination of the whole of Northern Mongolia and Manchuria. The leading British newspapers are in favor of giving Japan a free hand in •Siberia. ‘ The Times ’ says ; “ Japan is naturally determined to arrest Bolshevism in tho regions adjacent to her spheres of interest. The Allies’ policy is to assist all border States to fight the Bolsheviks.” The ‘ Daily MaiC editorially declares that Japan’s intervention is necessary for saving civilisation and protecting China from the incalculable perils of Bolshevik interference. ~

ROME, January 2. In consequence of the representations of the International Committee of Red Cross Societies at Geneva, it is understood that the Pope has communicated with Japan, urging the immediate repatriation of 200,000 war prisoners in Siberia.

LONDON, January 3. Captain O’Grady has gone back to Copenhagen to resume negotiations with Litvinoff, the Soviet representative, concerning the exchange of prisoners.