New-York tribune., 1918-07-10
Russian Intervention Be-
lieved to Have Been Sub
ject Of Discussion
Especial Dispatch to The Tribune

'bPeCtut D7SDQtch 10 ne Irtbpne)
WASHINGTON. July 9.--Coincident
with the news that Viscount Ishii, the
Japanese Ambassador had been invited
to an Interview with President Wilson
yesterday, it was learned to-day that
urgent representations had been made
to this government in behalf of the
Czecho-Slovak troops in Russia, who
are. declared to be threatened with ex-
termination by movements now beino
organized against them.
Neither at the japanese Embassy nor
IN Administration circles was any
statement concerning the visit of Am
bassador Ishii to the White House au-
thorized, and the incident was the sub
Ject OF consideration in all Allied
circles. where it was assumed that the
President discussed the Russian situa-
ton with the Japanese envoy and &C.
quanted him with the decisions just
reached by this government.
This theory was supported by the
fact that Vicount Ishii did not seek
the interview and was not expecting to
be called into conference. 1t was sur
missed in some diplomatic quarters that
President Wilson requested Ambassa
dor lshii to acguaint his government
with the fact that the United States
tavors the principle of military assist
ance to Russia, and to obtain from Toxic
the japanese governments views Of the
immediate military action that IS prac-
tlcable on the part Of Japan, including
the number of troops which might be
engaged in an expedition into Siberia,
the distance it might penetrate, the ex-
tent of Chinese cooperation, and what
collaboration by the American govern
ment is desirable.
Czecho-Slovaks Face Slaughter
The situation of the $4,000 Czecho-
Slovak troops in Russia, who are at the
present time holding Vladivostok.
Irkutsk and Samara. will shortly be-
come critical, it was learned on the
highest authority, unless relief is in
stantly given to them. 1t is under
stood the plight of the Czcho- -Slovaks.
dissociated from the political phases OF
the Russian question, was recently the
subject of study before the Allied Su-
preme War Council at Versailles, which
was attended, among others, by the
Premlers of France, England and Italy
and General Foch, and that the senti-
ment OF the council was that unless the
Czecho- o-Slovaks should be rescued by
the Allies they would be slaughtered.
lnasmuch as Japan alone is in posi-
ton to act with force to save the
Czecho-Slovak troops, who already con-
tlol one-half Of Siberia with a handful
of soldiers, half organized and not fully
armed. and also as Japan alone is able
Immediately to throw into Siberia a
sufficient number of troops to create
a front behind which the pro-Ally and
an army. it is believed President viii
son has decided the present moment is
propltlous for carrying into execution
both projects. the relief OF the Czecho-
Slovaks and the creation of new Rus
sian front.
1t was recalled to-day that in the
representations made previously to ia
pan concerning the Russian situation.
the United States maintained that the
moment then was not propitious one,
and indicated this governments fear
have been of benefit to the Central
Powers.
Other Considerations
There is reason to believe that within
the past two weeks President Wilson.
in addition to the representations con-
cerning the Czecho- -Slovaks, whom the
Allies are reluctant to abandon to their
fate, had before him also the following
considerations. which are entertained
in high Entente circles:
I. The critical moment in Russia
has arrived. Within a month crcum-
stances will determine whether Rus
sa can be looked to by the Allies
for assistance in the war against
the Central Powers. or shall be
abandoned to the Central Powers,
who steadily are consolidating their
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