Imperial Valley press., 1914-08-17
FREE HAND GIVEN
JAPAN ON PACIFIC

washington, Aug. ll-Io Japan the
allies have entrusted the task of clear
ing the Pacific and Far East of the
Germans. This important news has
been received in diplomatic circles
here and confirms the advices re-
ceived two days ago by the state de-
partment.
AS result of the agreement
reached, Japan will proceed to cap
ture:
The German district of Kiao Chou
on the Shantung peninsula of China.
Ladrone islands, the principal of
which, ian, belongs to the United
States.
The Caroline islands. lying tn the
east of the Philippine archipelago.
The Marshall islands, numbering 25
in all, which lie in mid-Pacific.
The Samoan islands of Savaii and
Upolu. Tutuila and Rose islands of
this group belong to The United States.
Kaiser Wilhelm' ia,id, the north:
ern section of Southeast New Guinea
Bismarck archipela 40, just off New
Guinea.
The British, French and Russian
ships in the Pacific will cooperate
with The japanese, but on the latter
will fall the brunt of the work of
eliminating the Germans from the Far
East.
Such German and Austrian men-of
war as have sought refuge at Kiao
Chou will be dismantled in order to
defend that port. Other German YES
sells that are cruising in the Pacific
will be sought by Japanese, British
and French men-of war and captured
or destroyed.
Thus Japan has been given a free
hand in the Pacific and the Far East.
1t is matter of great Importance
to the United Sites and of possible
grave consequence to China.
In operating against Kiao Chou, ia
pan will be forced to violate the neu-
trality of China. The Penking gov
ernment is doing such mobilization as
it can, but President Yuan Shi Kai
realizes, according to the advices re-
ceived here, that it would be fatal for
China to oppose the Japanese.
Therefore, after diplomatic pro-
test, China will do nothing and will
hope merely that by observing a su-
pine attitude her territory will not
be permanently held by Japan.
So far as the United States is con-
cerned, the administration has deter
mined not to make any protest in be-
half of China. 1t would like to sec
her neutrality protected, but it does
not propose to take a stand which
might embroil the country in the
great war in progress.
The capture of Kiao Chou and the
destruction of the German ships cruis-
ing in the Pacific will be the most diff
ficult part of the task assigned tc
Japan. There are no garrisons OF
any Importance in any of the German
possessions save Kiao Chou.
Consequently it will be necessary
only to send warships to the seats OF
government of the Ladrone, Caroline
Marshall and Samoan islands and Il
Kaiser Wilhelm's land and Bismarck
archipelago and formally hoist over
them the Japanese flag.
What will be done with these pos
sessions after the war is terminated
remains to be seen. 1t is apparen
that Japan will be invited to take
part in the congress which certainly
will be held and that her claims t,
consideration must be heard.
Herein will enter fruitful sourc,
of discord. Russia will not like tn,
idea of Japan commanding the capita
cf China from two points and he
control of the Yellow sea, which thi
favored situation will asusre.
1t IS not to the interest of the Unit