New-York tribune., 1918-06-09
America May
Change Policy
TowardRussia
Washington Expected Soon
to Agree to- Interven-
tion by Japan
Especial Dispatch to The T,Ibune)


WASHINGTON, June 8-German
prisoners in Siberia have been organ-
lied, embraced in the Bolshevik army,
and are participating in the Bolshevik
operations, according to definite in
formation received here Confirmation
of the reported defeat of General
Semenoff by Bolshevik troops has not
been obtained officially, but in quarters
best informed upon developments in
Siberia it was considered possible
There is pronounced atmosphere
in Administration and diplomatic cir
cles here indicating that important
changes in the Russian policies of the
Allied governments and of America
are about to take place. Officials at
the State Department would not admit
that President Wilson had modified
his views. but it was recalled that in
this governments reply to the Japa-
nese inquiry concerning intervention
IN Siberia, there was a phrase leaving
q loophole for future modification
OF opinion. 1t related to the time.
holding that the moment suggested by
Japan for intervening was not wise.
France Favors Intervention
1t is known that France, which origi-
nally recommended intervention, has
not changed aer views, and also that
Russian diplomats, both here and
abroad, favor intervention by all the
Allies.
1t was emphasized by Russian diplo-
mats here that they do not distrust
Japan but believe that any possible
troubles which dissociated Japanese
intervention might create would be OBJ
waited if the action should be taken
Jointly by all the Allies.
Russian authorities, as well as AL
lied observers in Russia. fear the con-
solidation of German influence in oc-
cupied Russia, the effects Of the dis
memberment of Russia, and the sus-
pected treachery of the Bolsheviki. The
incompetence of the Maximalists, they
assert is as dangerous to the interests
OF Russia as their proven infidclity
might be.
tt is understood that the Supreme
war Council at Versailles has reviewed
the suggestions for bringing about an
improved situation in Russia, and es-
peclally the possibilities Of rendering
aid to Russia from the European
front, but that they offer such small
| opportunities as to make impractica-
Bile any concerted and effective move
ment Whatever can be achieved
through the use Of Archangel and Kola
is being attempted. but the improve
ment can only be local, it was declared.
Action Next Year Too Late
The French authorities are also un-
derstood to hold the view that if the
present processes at work in Russia
are permitted to continue uninterrupt-
edly: action next year, barring the
crushing Of Germany on the Western
front, will be top late to save Russia.
They refuse to discuss the probabil-
lties concerning the renewal of the war
by selfish powers for the distribution
Of weakened Russias territories, but
1t was hinted that Germany, even if
defeated in the West, might fall back
upon her Russian conquests and
ditions which might be imposed upon
her by the Allied nations.
An important German agent, now
interned, it was learned to-day, in
formed War Department authority
last December that Germany would
surmount any difficulties she might
have from shortage of men through
the enlistment of Russians this past
spring. 1t is not doubted here tha,
Germany already has obtained large
numbers Of Russians for her army
and that the number will tend to in
crease as long as Germany is per-
mitted to work her will upon Russia
without interference.
I In diplomatic quarters generally the
opinion WAS expressed that the Rus
slams cannot be expected to save them.
selves, and that instead of turning
against the Allies should an Allied
expedition enter Siberia, they would
rally to it as to their deliverers. II
the Russians were in mood to fight
invaders they would now be fighting
the Austro- Germans, who have robbed
them Of their richest and most indis.
pensable provinces. it was declared
The belief that action in Siberia would
drive the Russians into the arms OF
Cermany Is not widely held here