The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-08-24
ASSURANCES OF LIMIT
TO JAPAN'S ACTIVITIES
Chindn Says Operations viii BE Con-
fined to China Seas and
Eastern Asia.
INTERESTS IN HANDS or l.. S.
Declaration Of War Against Germany
Not Unexpected in Washington
President Wilson VIII Issue Proc
lamat;on of Neutrality To-Day.

WASHINGTON. August c3.--Nlscount
Chinda. Japanese ambassador here.
to-day formally notified the United
States that Japan had declared war on
.Eermany. The American government
WAS asked 10 care for Japan's interest s
in Germany.
Viscount Chinda repeated assurances
recently given by the British govern
mcnt that Lapan's activity would be
confined to the China seas and Eastern
Asia.
The position of the United States, set
forth in Secretary Rryan's note OF
three days ago, has met With Japan's
approval In that communication the
United states noted with satisfaction"
that Japan promised TO maintain the
integrity OF China, and eventually re-
store Kiauchau to China, that Japan
sought no additional territory, and had
pledged herself TO maintain the prin-
ciple OF the open door In China and
equal opportunity for the commercial
interests of all powers
President Wilson tomorrow will is
sue formal proclamation OF ncu-
tra!ity
Japan's declaration of war was not
unexpected here. Germany's failure to
rcriT to the Japanese ultimatum also
was not surprising. Is il generally was
understood Germany would not repiy
first. because Of the aggressive nature
OF the ultimatum. and, secondly be-
cause Germany preferred that Japan
take the Initiative.
STATE DEPARTMENT
VIRTUALLY DESERTED
When Ambassador Chinda called at
the state Department. the building vlr-
tually was deserted. Secretary BRYAN
had gone to the country for n days
rest. Counselor Lansing received the
imperial rescript setting forth Japan's
F.NH.
briefly with the amba ssador Tho
American government did not under
take TO communicate the rescript to
Germany. copy having been sent by
other channels.
The sole interest OF The United States
now in the Far Eastern situation ia
that OF neutral observer.
Aside from informal verbal cx
changes between Viscount Chinda and
Secretary Bryan, and between Amcri-
can Ambassador Guthrie and the For
eiGn Office In Tokyo, there Is nothing
OF record to commit tho Japanese to
the limited field OF hostilities laid down
In the British note of last week
The impression prevails here among
diplomats. however. that the statement
OF Niscount Chnda. taken In connec-
tinn with tho speech in the Japanese
Dict last week of Count Oltuma, the
japanese Premier. VIII bind tho Japa-
ncse government 10 the return Of
kiauchau to China. and OF the imita-
ton OF Tho field OF hostilties
PREPARATIONS IN ITALY
CAUSE DISCUSSION
Tho declaration of war by Japan was
tho chief development OF the day hcre.
though dispatches indicating tho prep
arations in Italy for mobilization
caused discussions Many officials here
do not conceal their belief that Italy
is preparing TO enter the conflict on
the side OF Great Britain.
Mr.. Van Ilaimhausen, tho German
charge daffaircs. to-day took to the
state Department tho following mes
sage. which he said ho had received
by wireless from Germany:
Strong Russian forces were advanc- !
ing against tho German limo at Gum
(Continuod on Second PaVe)