The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1918-03-19

Japan At VIndIUOStOk
DY landing an armed force at Vladivostok to
- safeguard the vast stores of munitions at that
port from seizure by the Germans or any transfer
to them, Japan would establish no shadow of title
to retain any Siberian territory after the war It.
is absurd to suppose, says the New York Times,
that she would set up any pretension of that ma
ture Landing troops would be act akin to the
exercise OF police power, not an act OF conquest
To entertain suspicious of Japans Interior designs
in that quarter is as unreasonable it would have
been to charge that the powers who interviewed in
China to put down the Boxer rebellion cherished
the design of dividing Peking any other Chinese
territory among themselves. Doubtless Japan
would dsclaim any intent of permanent occupa-
ton before troops were landed.
1t is therefore, unnecessary to detail American
troops troops Of any other of the Allies to per-
form this service jointly with japan in order to
give the move an air OF international action Pres-
dent Wilson has demanded that the Germans eva
cuate the Russian territory they occupy, although
that territory has come to them through conquest,
always recognized as valid title when it can be
maintained Against, any surmised or suspected
design Of Japan to retain Vladivostok the Presi-
dents argument would have much greater force,
since Japan would land troops to safeguard the
port in the common interest of all the Allies, not
be established.
IL 1t is supposed that Japan would not readily con-
sent to action by China jointly with herself in
sending troops to Vladvostok since, in accordance
with the principle of the Lansng-Ishii agreement,
she chooses to consider herself the special guard
ian Of the peace of Eastern Asia. But the rights
of China in the matter are incontestable. The Chi
nese Eastern Railway from the point where it
crosses the Siberian border runs through Chinese
territory until it reaches point few miles from
Vladivostok. Under the agreement with Russia,
China was to have the right to purchase and con-
troll the road after term of years. which will soon
expire. China and Japan are allies, both are at
war with Germany. However it might contravene
Japan's policy in the East it would be good inter
national politics for her to admit China to partici
patton in the contemplated action at Vladivostok.
The chief point OF deicacy and difficulty which
has embarrassed the Allies is the effect that the
landing of troops may have upon the Bolshevist
government of Russia. 1t would not be hostile
act against Russia manifestly it would be act
in the interest OF the Russian people. The temper
Of the Bolsheviki is uncertain, however, their
purposes and their real attitude toward Germany
are so difficult to determine that conceivably they
might resent the action even to the extent Of
accepting German aid to expel the Invaders"
That is extremely improbable and at any rate the
lecture. Russia is not an enemy country, she is
not neutral country, for the yet unsigned peace
treaty of Brest- Ltovsk is not recognized by
the Allies, it will not be recognized by them
for it was made under duress, and by govern
ment so irresponsible either to the Russian people
or to other nations that has received no recogni
ton it has standing. The Russians are, in fact,
still fighting the Germans. Legally Russia is a
belligerent power, would probably be discover
ed If she had anywhere a warship ahoat that
should seek in any neutral port to enjoy the privil
eges Of neutral. The landing of troops at Vladi-
vostok would, therefore, be not unfriendly act
on the contrary distinctly friendly one for the
protection of Russia we'll as Of the other Allies
against Germany. Any protest from the Bolshe-
Wiki against protective measures at Vladivostok
would be equivalent to tearing off their mask; it
would be demonstration that, protesting dislike
for the capitaEstic governments Of the Entente ma
lions they really acting in the interest of the
Teutonic autocraces
.ai w. S. S.