The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-08-17
PRESIDENT SEES
NO HOSTILE MOVE
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ion varied as to the real seriousness Of
the difficulty
Secretary Bryan not only failed to
comment on the japanese note to the
Kaiser, but refused to state whether the
United States would act as a neutral
agent In the transfer Of the ultimatum
to the German officials. 1t is known
that Japan is making strenuous efforts
to send its formal declaration to the
Kaiser through the United States. This
much is admitted at the Japanese en-
bassy here.
Despite the apparently passive atti-
tude Of the United States. there is little
doubt but that the representatives of
be expected to keep close watch on the
situation as 1t develops Officials here
make no secret of the fact that the
entry of Japan into the European war
the vortex. As explained in The Times
yesterday, Germany and the United
States have dual jurisdiction over the
Samoan Islands, whose stragetic i'm
portance in relation to the control Of the
Pacific ocean is believed to have long
engaged the attention of the Mikado's
government
Should Japan attack the territory
of the islands controlled by Germany
the United States would be compelled to
take steps to prevent an invasion Of
the territory controlled by her. Should
Japan succeed in occupying the Ger
man territory, the advantage would be
slight, unless there was an ultimate
prospect Of gaining the island of Tu-
tuila, now an American naval base,
equal to the stronghold Of the United
States at Hawaii. The harbor of Page
Pago is the only one of great impor-
lance in the entire group Of fourteen
islands.
Every diplomatic effort will be exer-
cised by the United States to prevent
the struggle between Japan and Ger
many from embracing these regions.
AS officials of the Government see it.
however, the greatest cause for appre-
hension is the excitabiity Of public
States and among certain elements In
Japan.
Possible Incidents.
Necessarily, IL the struggle between |
Japan and Germany opens in the far
East. as It seems certain to do, there |
will be occasions when American ships |
will be stopped. and perhaps searched. |
by Japanese cruisers. Any one Of a |
might, IL nfsinterpreted in this coun- |
try, serve to infiame the tingoists.
1t Is assumed that IL war Is declared |
between the two governments, the |
United States will take steps to extend /
to the cable termini and wireless sta
lions on the Pacific coast the same CEN
sorship which 1t Is endeavoring to estab-
lish on the Atlantic coast, in order to
preserve neutrality.
President Wilson frankly admitted this /
that the question of this CEN
sorship is a vexing one particularly with
90 10 rIftrc rlnt 81, I'll liz
the cable, has no fixed terminus in any
particular foreign country, but can COM
with ships at any point mid
way between the two hemispheres. On
the other hand. he is inclined to believe
that any censorship over communication
between the United States and Canada,
between which countries the means of
communication are innumerable, would
present insuperable obstacles.
May Cause Embarrassment.
That Japan's entry into the world war
as England's ally may eventually work
put to the embarrassment of England
in the event of trouble between the
United States and Japan, lisa sugges-
lion which. it is believed, has caused
concern. not only at the State Depart
nent, but in Downing street. Despite
Iapan's assurances that her action was
o certain extent. requested by Great
Britain In conformity with the Anglo
Japanese treaty of offensive and de-
ensive alliance. there is much specula
Ion here as to whether England actu-
lily made such request, or whether
'apan, mindful of assistance which she
night eventually needin any struggle
WIN the United States, desired 10 eiye
treat Britain a practical illustration of
low binding she regards treaties of Of
ensive and defensive alliance.
Attache Saito. at the Japanes. .m-
1assy today explained that the reason q,
germany was given a week "of erace"
vas because Japan realized that n
would be difficult to get the uItimatun,
INTO the Kaiser's hands. ,
ne embassy here maintained todav .
nat Japan.s whole object is to main
am peace In the Far East 1t was de-
Jared that in event of hostflities the
interests OF no third country will be
Lolested. 1t will be a contest between ,
Iapan and Germany entirely. II was
ard; Saito said that Americans. who
night be touring there. or American {
who might be Involved |
VIII be molested in no way