The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-03-04
JAPAN QUESTION
SOON SETTLED
s,." "
Germ assian Peace Pact
p Signed, Is Expected
% Quickly Bring
Climax.
S!e
yS
y I'LL PLAY LONE HAND
Japanese Troops Probably to Enter
Siberia to Protect interests
OF Country
There.
! y I'LL PLAY LONE HAND

IBy Carl D. Groat, United Press Staff
Correspondent
WASHINGTON, March with
the German-Russian peace pact sign
ed, it was expected here today tnat
the question of Japanese 1nterVen-
ton in Siberia would be quickly
settled.
Japan believes that the peace
treaty means she must act at once.
With such spirit, it is quite con-
ceivable, authorities say, that sne
would act alone soon II allied-Amer1-
can approval were withheld.
Indications today were that Japan
will be permitted to play lone mana
in protecting her interests IN SIBERIA
but that a statement OF allied pur-
poses and limitations on the exped1-
ton will be made.
Officials here are in a Quandary as
to what Germany will do IN RUSSIA.
That she would plow on into RUS
sia is considered probable, provided
It suited her military leaders to 40
so. On the other hand, her plans ior
military action may be such that she
would be inclined to stop her ao-
vance and pay more attention 10 the
Italian or western fronts.
In any event, Japanese authorities
say that the danger from German
prisoners in Siberia is such that sne
cannot withhold action long. Forelgn
Minister Motono, according TO unoh-
cial reports. has informed the Japa-
nese diet that Japan wouio act
nromptly and effectively II peace
wera concluded between Russia and
Germany.
At the Japanese embassy it was
hinted that the day might bring
forth important developments. Some
considered that this meant. official or
unofficial intimations Of Americas
nosition had been received. Reported
seizure Of munitions at Vladivostok
by the Bolsheviki was advanced as
a reason for necessity for speedy
decision. Supplies at the Siberian
port are valued at $4,000 and 1t IS
believed that these will be protected
by Japan in any case.
While speculation ran chiefly 10
! the thought that Japanese 1nterven-
ton would not be opposed, the sug-
eestion from some official quarters
was that conclusion Of a peace be-
| tween Russia and Germany might re-
move some danger in Siberia rather
than augment it. The Japanese posi-
| tion- however, was that Germany
could not be trusted to discontinue
military operations or stop fomenting
trouble even though a treaty would
normally prevent further operations:
, The Germans, it was felt. would
unite possibly look enviously upon
the vast store Of supplies at Vlad1-
vostok.
What the mass of Russians will do
ia something that only the future can
toll hut many here think that guer-
fila warfare will continue, thus offer
ing sufficient trouble to make the
Germans maintain strong 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 final
general peace treaty will not permit
the Teuton to hold all the seized
Russian territory.
The Russian peace provides Ger
MANY with a new source OF food sup
ply. Ukraine is one Of the richest
grain fields in the world and iron
it, food administration men say, Ger
many will be able to replenish hel
dwindling supplies to such an extent
that starvation will be impossible.
Besides this, the peace will free
vast horde Of German prisoners. Bu
in this lot are nearly a quarter Of {
million Czechs who are opposed tt
Austria and Germany and who /
taken out by the allies over the
Siberian railway could be used tt
allied advantage.
What effect the Russian situation
will have on President Wilson's
peace offensive is unknown. The las
reliable information was that HI
probably would await reply from
Count Czernine before going again t.
congress.
However, II this Is too long de
LII xnrcihI,r dnniGn 4