Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-03-05
RUSSIAN PEACE
BRINGS SIBERIA
AGAIN TO FRONT
] apaneSe Intervention, If
Sanctioned by Allies, Must
Be Taken Quickly and Prob
ably Alone


WASHINGTON, March with the
German-Russian peace pact signed, or
about TO be, it was expected here today
that the question of Japanese interven-
ton in Siberia would be hastily set
tied.
Japan believes that the peace treaty
means she must act at once and de-
cisively With such a spirit, it is quite
conceivable, authorities say, that she
would act alone soon if allied-American
approval were withheld.
Indications today were that Japan will
be permitted to pla va lone hand in pro-
tecting her interests in Siberia, but that
a statement of purposes and limitations
on the expedition Will be made.
Officials here are IN a quandary as
TO what Germany will do, provided the
peace treaty has actually been signed.
That she would pillow on into Russia
is considered, provided it suited her mil
itary leaders 10 do so. On the other
hand, her plans for military action may
be such that she would be inclined to
stop her advance and pay more atten-
tion to the Italian or western front
In any event, Japanese authorities say
that the danger from German prisoners
in Siberia is such that she cannot with
hold action long. They could move
against the Siberian railway line or could
make trouble at Vladivostok, it is held.
And. Foreign Minister Motono, accord
ing TO unofficial reports, has informed
the japanese diet that japan would act
promptly and effectively if peace we're
concluded between Russia and Ger
many.
Developments Expected
Al the Japanese embassy IT was hint
ed that the day might bring forth i'm
portant developments. Some considered
that this meant official or unofficial in
timations Of the American position had
been received Reported seizure of mu-
nitions at Vladivostok by the Bolshe-
Wiki was advanced as reason for ne
cessity of a speedy decision, too. Sup
plies at the Siberian port are valued
at $50 600. and il is believed that
these will be seized or protected in any
case.
While speculation ran chiefly to the
thought that Japanese intervention
would not be opposed. the suggestion
from some official quarters was that
conclusion of a peace between Russia
and Germany might remove some dan
ger in Siberia rather than augment it.
The Japanese position, however, was
that Germany could not be trusted 10
QASEOWAAHA6 UlAAALdEN OpNAALAohS VI sup
fomenting trouble even though a treaty
would normally prevent further opera
ton. The Germans it was felt. would
quite possibly look enviously upon the
vast store of supplies at Vladivostok.
What the mass of Russians will do is
something that only the future can tell,
but many here think that guerilla war
fare will continue. thus offering suf-
ficient trouble to make the Germans
maintain stronv garrisons at many
points.
Germany probably will never reap
the full fruit OF her victory. With the
allies and America determined to press
on. it is likely that the final, general
peace treaty will not permit the leu
ton to hold all the seized Russian ter
ritOry.
Vast Food Stores
The Russian peace provides Germany
with A new source of food supply.
Ukraine is ono of the richest grain
fields in the world, and from it, food ad-
ministration men say, Germany will
he able to replenish her dwindling sup
plies to such an extent that starvation
will be impossible. This critical fact
will have more bearing on the military
situation for Germany than any other
recent development, it is said, for il
VIII permit pTOlouEdtioi VI ASl ASatb-
ing.
Besides this, the peace will free a
vast horde OF German prisoners. But
in this lot are nearly a quarter of a
million Czechs, who are opposed to Aus
trfa and Germany, and who. If taken
out by the allies over the Siberian rail-
road, could be used to allied advan-
tage>
What effect the Russian situation
will have on President Wilson's peace
offensive is unknown. The last relia-
bic information was that he would
probably await reply from Count
Czernin before going again to congress.
However, If this is too long delayed, he
might possibly decide to answer Hert-
ling's reply.
The Hertling answer has done much
TO stimulate a war spin. n the coun-
try, and the Russian situation, while
oiscouraging, is apparently cementing
this spirit rather than weakening It.