JAPAN & THE WAR

Grey River Argus, 13 February 1915, Page 6

JAPAN & THE WAR

EAGERNESS TO HELP ALLIES

VOLUNTEER MOVEM ENT

The return of the Japanese forces from Tsing-tao and the failure o. the Imperial Navy to create any great excitement in, the South Seas have renew the agitation at home for the des patch of Japanese troops to assist the Allies in Europe (says the Tokio correspondent' of the "Sydney Morning Herald.") The magnificent ovation accorded General Barnardiston, the leader of the British troops taking part in the siege of T sing-too. on his arrival in Tokio showed how interested the Japanese are in the British side of the Avar Avith Germany. The British general was. met at the Tokio. station by a brilliant array of officials, including the Minister of (Foreign Affairs, the Ministers of the Army and Navy, and a host of other officials, Avhile thousands of j school children lined the Avay waving! the flags of Britain and Japan, and; cheering the nations guest, the gates and doorways all along 'the way being draped Avith the Union Jack and the flag of the Rising Sun. General Barnardiston and his staff Avere feasted and feted by various important societies, as Avell as being tendered a special luncheon by the Emperor. Thus, British and Japanese co-operation in the expulsion of the Germans from China has apparently done much to cement still more solidly the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Yet the nation appears restive, lest it has still not done its share in, the work especially since the campaign in Europe is proving so terrible and prolonged. Accordingly there is a very pronounced desire tc- promote a scheme for the ,4tespa!t<ch of Japanese troops to Europe, and to this end certain Japanese 'army officers are suggesting that a volunteer force be organised by enlisting men from the best of the military reservists, forming a strong force to be sent to' Europe, to evince Japan's sym pathy and goodwill if for no -other reason; but,, at the same time, tho promoters feel assured that the men would give a good account of themselves on the held of battle, and prove of real value in the hastening of the end. Of course, Avithout the energetic sup port of the Imperial Government all these plans, however well intcnltaoned, must necessarily fail; but the pro-rot^ ers seem convinced that if sufficient interest is shown by the general public the Government will become active ly concerned in the execution of the proposal. It is anticipated that at least 24 battalions representing about 24,000 men, could be had from volunteers, with 24 companies of artillery, and io-* fiekl and heavy g-ums-, 8 companies of cavalry, and 2. companies of sappers,] to* transport which to Europe would require some 30 -ships of about 5000 tons each, the voyage to Marseilles taking some 60 days. If the Government lends any encouragement, there -is no doubt that the scheme will materialise but it is altogether unlikely j that this will happen unless there comes a special request from Europe.