Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-03-05
Japan EXPECTED
/ TO ACT AT Once
IN EAST SIBERIA
United States Has Not Ex-
pressed Views on
Step.
JAPANESE WILL NOT WAIT
TO GET FORMAL APPROVAL
fermany's Intention of Occupy
ing Finland Regarded
as Illuminating.
TRICT CENSORSHIP AT TOKYO
Washington Thinks Announcement
by Motono of Agreement Should
Not Bc Taken Literally.
TRICT CENSORSHIP AT TOKYO
Washington Thinks Announcement
by Motono OF Agreement Should
Not Bc Taken Literally.
fBv Aasociatcd Presg.l

Bv Associated Pressl
March 1.--Military
|tion by Japan In Eastern Siberia 10
leck German Influence and protect war
pres at Vladivostok is believed here
be imminent. The United States has
i yet expressed It's views on the pro-
Ised step. but it was said in dipio-
ktic quarters tonight that the Japa-
Sc probably would move quickly to
bet emergency conditions, leaving to
{lopment of an understanding with
ierica and the allies upon the scope
d purposes or the enterprise.
While it has no direct bearing upon
situation in Asiatic Russia, the
ws which came to-day TO the Swed
legation that Germany has given
tice OF her intention to occupy the
ole of Finland will tend to hasten
agreement upon Japan's plans. The
rman explanation to the Swedish
reign Office. which has protested
ainst the proceeding. that the occu-
ion is 20 restore order and without
ent to take permanent possession. is
sardcd as very clear indication OF
at the Teutons may undertake in
part OF Russia now that the Boil
evili have been forced to accept thelr
I'd peace terms.
officials and diplomatic hero profess
orancc OF what preparations have
In made by Japan for the operations
but to be undertaken. AS matter
course, secrecy has heeu observed.
strict censorship in regard to the
erian question Is in force at Tokyo.
,sibiy the next word TO come out OF
,an on the subject VIII be an an
lncenlept OF something accomplished
CONCERN OF ALLIES
now JAPAN DOES TASK
has been stated IN official quar-
s that Il IL no concern OF the entente
es nor OF America how Japan goes
tut the task. once the question OF
Icy Is settieI. II the decision Is
chcd to give Japan n free hand in
stern Siberia. IL Is now conceded that
other military or naval power is In
ition to render her any substantial
owing TO the Lace OF available
ces.
\ n dip tomato way, Inc SITUATION mas
lained unchanged since the middle
hast week. The state Department
mot indicated to the Japanese gov
rncnt what may be its view of the
situation created by the signing
peace articles by the Bolsheviki.
statement made recently by Wis
Mt Motono that Japan lad q work
agreement with the entente allies
America in regard to this question,
said, has been taken to- literally
:jals say what The viscount prob
meant was there existed sympa-
ic understanding on the subject.
seeking an understanding as &c
be before going on record as sup
ting the Japanese action, the Amer
government Is understood TO hold
while IL has every confidence In
proper intentions OF Japan. It would
easier to convince neutral nations
moreover. would enable America
the allies to defeat any German
gn TO organize the discordant cle'
It's in Russia on the German side
@ there some formal assurance thai
sian integrity was not to suffer
high official to-day expressed the
aion that for this reason the situa-
was very delicate and required
careful treatment at the hands OF
press to avoid embarrassing mis-
erstandings.