The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-03-03
CANNOT QUESTION
jAPAN's PURPOSE
N SIBERIA MOVE
No Long Delay in Entente
Expression Of Views Re-
garding Russia.
FATAL TO INTIMATE
LACK OF CONFIDENCE
Eastern Empire May Be
Asked to Explain Extent
Of German Menace"

Washington. March 2.--The response
Of the entente allies and of America
to the japanese invitation for an ex-
preston of their views regarding the
RusSian situation, SO far as recent
events there have affected conditions
in eastern Siberia, are expected to be
returned within two or three days. II
is certain that there will be no long
delay, as there appears to be no dispo-
sitiOn to enter into any extended argu-
ments on the subject Of measures to
combat German aggression in Siberia
and to protect the military stores at
Nladivostok.
Must Put Faith in Japan.
One distinguished foreign repre-
sentative said today that u situation
has developed where the allies and
America must place. entire Confidence
In theffsctitude' OF purpose and military
ability Of Japan This belief is that
there can be no half confidence such as
would be implied by demand for q
pledge from Japan in advance of any
action she may contemplate after the
war. Such action, he said, would cast
intolerable suspicion upon a devoted
anu powerful ally.
May Make Inquiries.
1t is entirely possible that some in
quiries may be made to develop the
nature and extent of what Japan re-
CARDS AZ the special German menace
that existed in eastern Siberia even be-
fore the resumption OF the German
drive against Russia. Aside from the
presence Of a large number OF German
prisoners Of war in central Siberia,
nothing officially is know here Of any
new and threatening danger to Japan
or to her allies unless such might be
found In active German propaganda in
that section which might involve the
transfer of allegiance to Germany of
the Bolshevik- controlled population,
or cause IN outbreak Of absolute an
archy which would threaten the lives
and property OF Japanese and other
foreign residents in Siberia. 1t is not
doubted that Japan is now satisfying
her allies on this point and consequent
~ there will be no necessity for any
formal engagement or declaration Of
purpose by Japan covering her aims In
Siberia beyond any such expression ar
she might herself care to volunteer
Want America to Do Job.
There has been q notable omission
to develop the feelings OF the Rus
slams themselves toward any disturb
ance OF status in Siberia. However,
a report reached Washington from an
apparently reliable source today that
the Russians themselves are desirous
IL there Is to be any foreign entry INTO
Siberia, that America above all powers
should participate. In the view Of some
officials this probably Is based upon q
belief that Americas participation
would insure complete evacuation OF
the country after the purposes OF a
military expedition had been served.
japan Favers Republic.
In connection with the proposed mil
itary expedition into Siberia, attention
has been directed again to aspirations
voiced by the Siberians sometime ago
for their separation from Russia, fol-
lowing the leads OF Finland, Ukraine
and other western provinces. One Of
ficial said today that Japan would be
completely satisfied. after insuring a
regime OF law and order in Siberia. to
lend her support there OF an independ-
ent republic that would constitute Q
buffer state between Japan ana Russia,
and thereby remove any apprehension
Of 4 war Of repriSalS based on the VIC