Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-07-28
King Victor's Armies, 2,OO,-
600 Strong, Are Preparing
to invade Austria.
NIPPON FORCES MAY TAKE
THE OFFENSIVE IN RUSSIA
Move in Manchuria Excuse to Get
Divisions Ready-America Looked
to For Money and Munitions.


ton, both of which hold out bright
prospects for the allied powers, today
have arrived at stage where they may
be published and generally discussed.
They are:
Japan has virtually pledged to the
allied nations her more active participa-
tion in the war, with her man power and
her money power, as soon as Russia's
collapse becomes an actual menace to
the allies cause.
Italy has made plans to invade Aus
tria, has 100000 men, who have seen
service, ready to move to that end, and
waits only on the United States to sup
make munitions to sustain her advance.
Determined Months Ago.
Neither of these facts is new to en-
tente diplomats and United States gov
ernment officials. The attitude of Japan.
determined months ago, when the Brit
ish, French and Italian missions were in
Washington. accounts for something of
the baf1ing optimism of cabinet officials
in the face of discouraging news from
Russia.
The absence of discussion of Japan's
attitude also illustrates the willingness
of newspapers to submit to a voluntary
censorship, for the assurances of jap
anese diplomats to entente ENJOYS were
known to newspaper men. who were
told in confidence, and also were in
formed that Information Of Japan's will
a mr. nj ffvyA1 in
the war might have a demoralizing in
duence on the efforts of the new gov
ernment in Russia to reorganize the
army Of that nation.
Without putting herself in the posi-
tion Of trying to bring pressure to
bear on. the United States, the Italian
missions greatest effort while here.
and Italian diplomats subsequent ef-s
fort. has been to bring the United
States to realize ItAly's viewpoint,
which. In a nutshell. Is this:
Austria Eliminated, War Will End.
The western front is impregnable, SO
far as the possibility Of a quick crush
ing of the German lines is concerned.
But the minute that Austria Is elimi-
mated, the war will be over. Italy is
the only nation which can attack Aus
tria successfully. All that Is needed Is
coal and iron enough from the United
States to assure the manufacture OF
enough munitions to insure the per-
manent occupation Of Italian positions
in Austria when Italy wins them, and
forestall a repulse. like that the Rus
enough munitions to defend what she
has captured.
This belief of Italian statesmen ac-
counts for her refusal to accede to the
suggestion made in some quarters that
Italian soldiers be transported to the
western front. Jajan's readiness to
strike a blow on the Russian front
when she is needed also accounts for
the lack of enthusiasm with which sug-
Eestions that the United States send
men to Russia has been received.
Japan's aid already given to the al
country. 1t is pointed out. She has
kept Russia, from the outset, supplied
with munitions and equipments, ship
ped via the Transsiberian railroad. in i'm
mense quantities, and has taken bonds
in payment. She has purchased large
quantities of bonds from Great Britain
and France.
Japan Eager to Help.
In two ways, 1t Is maintained, Japan
recently has shown her interest in
backing the cause of the allies The
principal and obvious one has been in
the greater assistance she has been
giving. week by week, in helping pa
troll the Mediterranean with torpedo
boat destroyers. japanese naval au-
thorities are anxious to have a part in
the raids on German C-boat bases when
the time is ripe for such a stroke
Not admitted by Japan. but pointed
to by men in close touch with Japa-
nese affairs. is the Significance of the
news received from Toxic only this
week Of the Japanese reorganization
of Manchuria. 1t was pointed out that
the reorganization" Is being accom-
plished along military lines. by send
n La nf int
churia. an action that would not be
necessary for a reorganization along
political or economic lines.
The belief is openly expressed that
Japan is making Manchuria an excuse
for a mobilization of several army
corps, to be ready to strike in Russia
when the moment arrives.
Mobilizing in Manchuria.
Any activity looking to the perma-
nent occupation of Manchuria, 1t was
pointed out, is contrary to Japan's Oft
expressed policy to have no part in
the internal affairs Of China In other
ways. both industrially and in a mill
tary way. it was stated. Japan has been
taking unusual steps toward mobiliz-
ing her resources. SO that II she were
called into the war her preparations
would give her an advantage for quick
action like that held by Germany in
August. 1914.
reasons Tor Japans attitude are
clear. say students of the far eastern
political situation. II Russia were
overrun by Germany. Germany couhi
extend the long arm of her domino nation
out toward the orient by way of ST.
IBERIA. and that would menace Japan's
prmacy In the east. Through her ship
ments of ammunitions and other sun
plies to the Russian army japan al
ready has virtual control and complete
knowledge of the transsiberian rail
way facilities. and she could dispatch
troops in great numbers into Rnssj.
through that channel in a relativelv
short time.
Rests With Glider Statesmen
The question Of Japan's participation in
the war. ii Is no secret now. was discussed