New-York tribune., 1918-03-03
Prompt Reply to
Japan Expected
From the Allies
LIZ The Associated rrcssl

" ASHlNGiON, March Il ne re-
sponses of the Entente Allies and of
America to the Japanese invitation for
an expression of their views regarding
the Russian situation, so far as recent
events there have affected conditions
III Eastern Siberia are expected to be
returned within the next two or three
DAYS. 1t is certain that there will be
ne long delay as there appears to be
no disposition to enter into any cx-
tended arguments on the subject of
measures to combat German aggression
IN Siberia and to protect the military
stores at Vladivostok.
One distinguished foreign represent
ative said to-day that a situation had
developed where the Allies and America
must place entire confidence in the
rectitude of purpose and military abi-
ity of Japan. This belief is that there
can be no half confidence, such as
would be implied by demand for
pledge from Japan in advance of any
action she may contemplate, to limit
her activities or to make certain dis
positions of occupied territory after the
war. Such action. he said, would cast
intclerable suspicion upon a devoted
and powerful ally.
May Ask Explanation
1t is entirely possible that some in
quirles may be made to develop the
nature and extent of what Japan re-
CARDS as the special German menace
that existed in Eastern Siberia. even
before the resumption of the German
drive against Russia. Aside from the
presence of large number of Ger
man prisoners of war in Central ST.
IBERIA. nothing is officially known here
of any new and threatening danger to
Japan or to her allies, unless such
might be found IN an active German
propaganda in that section which might
involve the transfer OF allegiance TO
Germany of the Bolsheviki- controlled
population, or cause an outbreak of ab-
soiute anarchy which would threaten
. lives and property Of Japanese and
other foreign residents in Siberia. 1t
is not doubted that Japan is now sat-
isfying her allies on this point, and
consequently there will be no necessity
for any formal engagement or declara-
ton of purpose by Japan covering her
aims in Siberia beyond any such ex-
pressien as she might herself care to
volunteer.
Reports reaching here and credited to
British newspapers that already Japan
into Asiatic Russia find no confirma-
tion here. They arc believed to be
founded upon previous reports that
Japanese maMnes had been landed at
Vladivos.ck to suppress disorders there
Of an anarchistic turn that threatened
the safety OF the military stores at the
port.
Cruisers at Vladivostok
1t is known that there are four large
I -
as they have been there for some time,
officials said their presence could not
be construed as indicating any new
policy.
AS for the report that Chinese
troops have been sent into Siberia, Of
ficials are convinced that this is based
on a misunderstanding OF the move
ment Of some Chinese soldiers into
Harbin, which, being in Chinese Man
churia, is properly a subject for Chi
nese military control. SO far as can be
learned here, the attitude of the Chi
nese government has been marked by
reluctance to JOIN in any international
campaign in Manchura.
There has been notable omission to
develop the feelings of the Russians
themselves toward any disturbance of
status in Siberia. However, a report
reached Washington from an apparent.
SLAMS Themselves are desirous, if there
is to be any foreign entry into Siberia
that America, above all powers, should
participate. IN the view of some Off
Gals this probability is based upon a
belief that Americas icipation
would insure q complete evacuation OF
the country after the purposes of a
military expedition had been served.
in connection with the proposed mil
,tary expedition into Siberia, attention
mas been directed again To aspirations
vosctd by the Siberians some time ago
Tor their separation from Russia. fol-
lowing the lead of Finland. Tkrainja
End other West Russian provinces. One
OFFICIAL said to-day that Japan would be
completely satisfied. after ingurinv a
regime Of law and order In Scberia' TO
lend her support 70 the creation there
Of an independent republic that would
constitute buffer state between japan
and Russia and thereby remove any
apprehension Of a war Of rcprisai based
or the victory Of Japan over Russia "a
decade ago.