JAPANESE INTERVENTION IN SIBERIA.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1276, 15 March 1918, Page 5

JAPANESE INTERVENTION IN SIBERIA.

INTERNAL POLITICS INTERFERE WITH ACTION. (A. & N.Z.) (Bee. March 15, 10.45 a.m.) TOKIO, March 14. Internal politics continue to interfere with a general agreement regarding the proposed Siberian intervention. There is a prospect of the Cabinet’s resignation in the near future. Tire public greatly desire an agreement with America. ARMING OF GERMAN AND OTHER PRISONERS. In the House of Commons, Lord Robert Cecil stated that numerous reports were received concerning the arming of German and other enemy prisoners in Siberia. The number so armed was probably considerable. The immediate problem in Siberia, according to a recent cable message, is the preservation of half a million tons of munitions, supplies, and material which have been accumulated at Yladivostock. But, obviously, that is little more than an incidental. A feature of early discussions of the proposed intervention was the stressing of the question of Japanese evacuation of territory subsequently, and nervousness on this point has been apparent in the American discussions. Japan’s real intentions and motives seem, also, to have been the subject of close scrutiny. Germany, with characteristic cunning and eagerness to sow any seeds that might fructify to her advantage, recently sought to fan auj r distrust on this point by the publication of inspired articles which analysed the position as a Japanese move in their own interest. Japan, according to the German view, was deluding the Allies into a belief of her support while contemplating a friendly arrangement with the Central Powers that would enable her to enrich herself at Russia’s expense. The change of tone now adopted indicates an end of the German hopes. The “New York Tribune” admitted that, by breaking faith the Allies, Japan could divide the whole of Asia with the Teuton. “But,” it said, “there is no dishonoured treaty in Japan’s diplomacy. Let us trust her.” The delay in intervening, if it be due to any but necessary causes of adequate preparation, has been reported to be the outcome of America’s refusal of assent to the action, and also (a less likely reason) to internal political considerations arising out of a fear of the Meusekai Party that intervention would prolong the life of the Terauehi Cabinet. Chinese messages have been alternating assertions of proposed Chinese co-operation and preparation, with reports of internal political struggles that bode little good for concerted national action. Preparations that can have no justification except in anticipated military action on a considerable scale have been going forward through all the puzzling happenings of the last couple of weeks. A Bill has been reported from Tokio, authorising the mobilisation of industries contributing to the prosecution of the war, and there was a later report of a Bill authorising the requisition of all munition factories and the conscription of workmen employed therein. The Chinese Government is reported to have decided to send 20,000 men to co-operate with the Japanese, and Japan is reported to be forming a Russian division to co-operate, and to have negotiated with the Anti-Bolsheviks for some form of political aid. China, also, is reported to have authorised a foreign loan of ten million yen to finance its expedition. Prince Lvoff, formerly Premier of Russia, has formed what is stated to be a new Government (but how and with what support is not explained), and proposes to accompany the Japanese invasion, while General Semenov, whose force is reported to be lacking only in arms, seems to be waiting to participate. A New York message this week stated that the British and French Ambassadors had requested Viscount Montono to intervene (a statement since denied by Viscount Montono), and that the American Ambassador announced that America raised no objection. This last statement, if accurate, would largely remove outside reason for Japan’s further delay. A message that had the fault of a questionable originating station in Helsingfors stated that the Allied Consuls at Yladivostock had sent an ultimatum to the Bolsheviks and that the Japanese'would land and enforce the Consuls’ demands. Rather definite action was taken by a Chinese commander in according support to Semenov and his force against the Bolsheviks. Japanese messages have stated that Japan could have 200.000 troops in Siberia within two weeks, and that shortly afterwards 500.000 more men would be available for service. Mr Leslie Urquhart, in a recent article, estimated that from 25,000 to 30,000 well-equipped troops would be sufficient tp prevent the Germans extending to the East Russia’s western dismemberment, but Japanese preparations indicate either a different estimate or the contemplation of raUch more comprehensive action than a mere protection and maintenance of existing interests. It has been stated definitely that France favours the intervention and that Britain awaits only America’s assent to give the signal that Japan will evidently be prompt in responding to. ALLIES MUST NOT DESERT RUSSIA. PEACE MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH BRITISH IDEALS. (A. & N.Z.) (Rec. March 15, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, March 14. Mr Arthur Henderson, speaking at the women’s suffrage celebration at the Queen’s Hall, said the nation had reached a critical stage. It was possible that von Sulow, on behalf of the Central Powers, might say: We are prepared to recognise the status quo ante helium, to make considerable concessions in Alsace and Lorraine, and adjust the differences with regard to the colonies, but we must be entirely free to deal with Russia. Such a cynical peace would, he said, contain the seeds of future war. We must stand as flint against deserting Russia, and must have a peace consistent with the ideals for which we entered the war. A BAIT TO TEMPT FRANCE. (A. & N.Z’.) (Bee. March 15, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, March 14. The “British Weekly” reports that Germany contemplates tempting France by offering to guarantee the large French loans to Russia, and to thus appeal to the so-called avarice of the French peasants. The “British Weekly” adds: —“France will repudiate the offer with scorn.” SERBIA STANDS FIRM WITH ALLIES. RUMOUR OF PEACE POURPARLERS DENIED. (A. & N.Z. & Reuter) (Bee. March 15, 10 a.m.) LONDON, March 14. The Press Bureau reports that the Serbian Legation emphatically denies the rumour circulated by Germany of peace pourparlers between Serbia and her enemies. BULGARIAN SUGGESTIONS OF PEACE TERMS. MONSTROUS, HYPOCRITICAL, AND CONTEMPTIBLE. (A. & N.Z.) (Bee. March 15, 9.15 a.m.) NEW YORK, March 14. The Washington correspondent of the “World” reports that advices from Switzerland state that a Bulgarian agent sounded the United States Charge d’Affaires at Berne with a view to enlisting America’s influence in the interests of peace. The agent attempted to ensure the most favourable terms for Bulgaria. The dispatch describes Ids representations as monstrous, hypocritical, and contemptible. ODEtSSA IN HANDS OF THE ENEMY. -FORCES OF CENTRAL POWERS ENTER THE CITY. (A. & N.Z.) (Bee. March 15, 8.4 a.m.) LONDON, March 14. The Germans have entered Odessa, the Austro-Hungarian forces closely following. A GROTESQUE AND IMPOSSIBLE DREAM. (A. & N.Z.) (Bee. March 15, 9.15 a.m.) NEW YORK, March 14. The “Tribune,” commenting on the. capture or Odessa, says that the German dream of seriously menacing India is grotesque and impossible.