Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-07
The Siberian Problem.

In every aspect the question of
Japan's relation to Siberia is perplex-
ing. II is difficult to see a clear course
for the United States. so far as this
government is concerned and involved,
1t wishes, of course, that no advantage
accrue to Germany, through a break
down of the Russian government. in the
acquisition of territory, the seizure OF
supplies or the lessening of the fight
ing power of the entente. Japan is an
ally of Great Britain of long standing
and has entered the war against Ger
many. Tins far her participation has
been nominal on land, with slight con-
tribution to the naval strength of the al
lied powers. Now ii is proposed that
Japan enter Siberia for the purpose 'pri-
narily of preventing an immense store
of foods and munitions at Vladivostok
from being turned over to Germany
in consequence of the Russian demorali
zation The United States is directly
concerned in these supplies. for they
d came from this country. It is anxious
that everything possible be done to safe
guard them. 1t does not, however, con-
template with satisfaction the POSSIBLE
ity of an invasion of Siberia by Japan
in circumstances to cause the Russian
people 10 Hook upon the entente as bent
upon territorial acquisition, as being as
rapacious or menaeing to the Russian in
terests as Germany herself.
If there were strong government in
Russia, representative of the people, def
nitely established and recognized, there
would be no need of anxiety on the
score of Siberia. But government is
practically at an end in Russia. The boil
shevihi are suspected of undue friend
illness for Germany; their leaders under
direct accusation, indeed, in this re-
spect. and now those leaders are assail-
ed and threatened with deposition With
the armies dispersed, civil government
demoralized, portions of the once great
empire split of into semi-autonomou
states, with trustworthy leadership
lacking, Russia is in no position for self
defense or for definite national self
expression. There is still hope that out
Of this chaos may arise new Russia
with true national spirit, fully awake
to the perils of German domination. Not
the least factor Of difficulty in the pres
ent matter is the need to reassure the
Russian people that the entente intends
and will tolerate no attack upon them
from the east
There results for us this war dilemma:
The United States will not. without
concern, see the millions of war NUM-
lions at Vladivostok and along the
Siberian railroad pass through the boil
sheviki into the hands of Germany. The
United States will be even more greatly
concerned and distressed if any move
through Japan to recover these mum
lions shall lessen the determination OF
The Russian people to resist until the
vars end and afterward spoliation and
arbitrary and harsh domination by Ger
many The problem is to prevent war
munihons and control of Siberia from
going to Germany, and at the same time
to keep the Russian people fighting Ger
many and to help them in the struggle.
The difficulty would be solved if a Rus
sian government, representing the peo-
pie in determination never to submit to
German domination. should repudiate
the Lenine surrender and should ask
this aid of the allies in the renewed
struggle. The allies, through Japan,
must be recognized as entering Siberia
to help Russia to live, and not as vul-
lures 10 feast with other vuitures on
Russia dead.