The Washington times., 1914-08-16
JAPAN'S OPPORTUNITY TO STRIKE.

divided between the United States and
Germany, Japan wants them end she
must have them IL she succeeds In OBJ
tanning the realization of her ocean
policy. The American and German
garrisons together could not Withstand
an onslaught by the Japanese, IL II came
as surprise. But the point some
internationalists forsee is that Japan
would not be likely to attempt to seize
what Germany owns of the Samoan
Islands without trying to get at the
same time what America Possesses at
the same place. To oust Germany there
AMI still allow the United States to
remain would not do Japan much good.
She wants the whole Of the Samoan
Islands as a naval base.
Kiaochau Strategic Point.
Germany has a lease of ninety-nine
years upon the Chinese territory of
Kiaochau. in the province of Shan
tung, which she demanded as repara-
ton for the murder of two German
Catholic missionaries by a mob in the
district of Shantung. November 1, 1897.
in the midst of the Boxer troubles.
Kiaochau Is a strongly fortified naval
harbor protecting the province of Shan
tung as 1t projects out into the Gulf of
Pechili, an arm of the Yellow sea,
which is in its turn an arm of the Pa
ciffc ocean. Kiaochau not only protects
the province of Shantung. but by its
position as the most advanced naval
base in that part of the Chinese en-
pire 1t menaces Peking and the central
part Of China 1t Is one of the most
important harbors in China and one of
the principal doors leading to the heart
of China
Port Arthur. commanding the old
Chinese province of Manchuria. which
Russia and Japan have divided between
them. lies on the Gulf of Pechiii on
the opposite side from Kiaochau.l
Great Britain must be included in the
list Of Germany's enemies here through
her protectorate over the Chinese ports
of Shanghai and Hongkong in the Chi
nese Sea- another arm of the Pacific
Just south OF the Yellow Sea. There
Great Britain stands herself on guard
against Germany, and 1t is in the inter-
ests of her possessions, centered at
Shanghai and Hongkong, that she may
desire the cooperation OF Japan at the
present time.
Where Interests Clash.
The Philippine islands. which the
United States owns as the fruit of its
war against Spain. lie Just south of |
Hongkong. British protectorate. and |
north of Australia. a British |
colony. Great Britain never has evinced !
the slightest antagonism to the presence |
Of the United States midway between |
her two possessions. but Jepan Is sus- |
pected OF having designs upon the Phil
ppines. which lie at the door of China.
japan considers herself the sole
guardian Of China. an assumption based |
lpon racial ties and geographical posi- |
ion. This guardianship would make |
Japan the absolute mistress of the |
Eastern Hemisphere
This is the ultimate aim and the ALL |
dream OF the wonderful lit |
lie Japan which about half a century
ago, was practically unknown in in |
ernational affairs, but TODAY is reck-
med with as one OF the great powers
japan demands the command of the |
Pacific Ocean as a part OF this all |
dream. She must have IL,
must be mistress OF the Pacific, IL she |
'arries forward her ultimate aim
Germany is an openly avowed enemy TO
Ter designs.
The United States cannot protect her
'wn interests except by taking an un-
.ltersbly firm stand against the same
lesigns.