The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-03-06
Administration Officials Dis
turbed Over interpretations
Of Stand on Japan's Plan.
APPROVAL NOT YET ASKED
BY Nippon--Information Came
Through Great Britain.
Confidence IN Intentions.

Washington, March 6.--It was
autaoritativsIy stated today that
the United States has sent no COM
munioation TO Japan on the sub
jeot Of action in Siberia, and that
" any views Of this government
are expressed they probably will
be conveyed to Great Britain,
through which the United States
has received all its information on
tho situation.
Washington, March 6.--Adnninistra-
ton officials are somewhat disturbed
at the various Interpretations beng
placed on the attitude OF the govern
nent toward Japan's prospective ac-
ton In Siberia.
The statement that the United
States IN in accord In principle with
Japan's plans, supposing always that
action is necessary. has been inter-
pretod In some dispatches TO mean
that the United States has assentcd
To tho plan. and the further statement
that the United States has not ass
sonted has been construed In others
to mean that the government has with
held It's assent.
These various statements oil are
generally regarded as n play upon
words at time when official an-3
nouncoment OF the exact status OK
the situation Is being withheld.
Nothing TO Assent TO.
Japan, 80 far as can be learned. has
never asked the approval OF tho United
states 20 her plans, consequently there
is nothing for the United States TO as
sent TO. On the other hand, the fact
that the United States, under the uir-
cumstances, In not asserting 10 thu
plan In not to be construed. In the alb
sepce OF officiai announcement to that
effect, that assent has been withheld
In the diplomatic sense of the term.
The United States has been advised
OF Japan's feeling through Japan's
ally. Great britain, and these two gov
ornments are discussing the situation
In the light Of the Anglo. Japanese
agreement for the preservation Of q
status la the far cast.
Al Japan's special Nllx. Great. Drit-,
ain 10 reported ns having contidenG8 ~
,Japan's Intentions and has sought 70
impart that confidence TO the United
States. not with q view to seeking any
active co-operation In q Siberian cam
paign. but simply 10 aIiay any feeling
OF apprehension that might develop In
this country that Japan tntends 10 az
tend her sovereignty over SibcrIs per-
manently.
Understanding Mutual.
II In believed that the state depart
mont has been convinced on this point.
but does not consider II necessary 10
record itself either nffirmntivciy or
negatively. II was further stated that
the United Statea has not asscnted.
disHented or protested. and that with
out any exchange OF written communt-
cations Japan already understands the
friendly attitude OF the United states
md Its disposition 10 take no part. In
addition Japan understands that the
United States credits her with disin-
torestcd purposes n action In siberia
should be taken.
Moral Effect On Russia.
A. tho same time, IL II understood
Japan understands the United states
n giving orght TO tho moral effect
IN Russia Of such action aud would
eel that the absolute acccssity had
,cen apparent before II Is taken.
rhcsc Views have been expressed to
treat Britain. which, ne an inter-
nedinry ndvircd the United states cf
Iapan's Views.