The Washington times., 1918-03-05
CABINET TALKS Of
! PROTEST AGAINST
JAPANESE ACTION
tContinued from First PageD

which has absorbed President Wilson
and members OF his official family for
days
4 decision on whether this country
viii remain silent under Japanese in
terventiOn. will protest, or will ask,
as a matter OF form, for a declara-
tioh Of intentions from Nippon will
probably be decided by the President
and the Cabinet this afternoon.
The United States will not support
the japanese expedition, however.
which, under the surface in Washing
ton. is regarded as a dangerous move
in view OF the democratic ideals set
forth by the allies.
Japan has pledged herself TO the
aims Of the entente through re ally,
England. Amy action she may find
l. necessary to take in solving the
tangled far Eastern situation Will be
In harmony with those aims, Japa-
nese diplomats said today.
No official word on the japanese
Siberian question was Obtainable at
the japanese embassy, but the evident
tension of the past week continued TO
prevail.
It was suggested that the United
States will be duly notified il japan
concludes that a military movement
is imperative.
II was admitted that the Bolshevik
steps at Vladivostok and along the
Siberian railway have aggravated The
situation and that a decision in the
matter cannot be long delayed.
Senator ]. Ham Lewis of Illinois,
the Democratic whip, informed the
Senate this afternoon that no COM
pact or understanding Of any ma
ture had been entered into by the
United States with Japan regarding
Siberia
He denied with emphasis reports
that negotiations were pending to
allow Japan a free hand in the
Philippines and q naval base on the
Mexican west coast in return for her
services in Russia.
Has Pact With British.
Whatever Japan is doing in rela-
tion to the war is in pursuit of her
compact with Great Britain" said |
Senator Lewis.
Senator Lewis said he had received |
numerous AClE6 ans AuNdgs Il
from the Pacific coast, regarding the |
lar eastern situation.
They disclose" he said. "a scare |
and fright. Influenced by statements
coming from the East charging in
effect that the United States has
some alliance with Japan directing
japan to take Siberia without ourI
INSURANCE in turn for Japan protect
ing us in the Philippines and oppos-
ing the German Russian advance upon
our trade and possessions in the
Orient. Also that in turn for such
services the japanese are to be al
lowed a free hand in the Philippines,
free citizenship in America and to
tRke naval bases and other landed
possessions in Mexico.
No Alliance With Us.
From my place wish TO reply to
all of these fears that there is no
alliance between the United States and
Japan Of any kind whatever. There IS
no compact between the United States
and Japan of any nature whatsoever
contracting on our part as to Siberia
or Russia nor allowing privileges in
the Philippines or Mexico that is not
enjoyed by any other friendly people.
Whatever Japan is doing in reIa-
tion to the war is In pursuit Of her
alliance or compact with Great Brit
ain Whatever japan is doing in 81
IBERIA or as against Germany is in
with the terms OF an az
Tangement, offensive and defensive,
made with Britain to oppose any
wrongful advance from any source in
the East against the rights OF either.
Japan is not in the war at the
demand of the United States and ia
pan in no wise eIacts anything now
or does she expect anything in the
future from the United States as a re-
suit OF any arrangement or alliance
ever made or contemplated TO be made
between this country and Japan.
Status Long Fixed.
The status as to Japanese and ORR :
-nJals entering into the United States
Is fixed by a treaty well understood
between the United States and Japan,
,alled a Eentleman's agreement, and
which neither nation has assumed to
'hange upon any condition of the
war.
The United States, under President
Wilson. will keep true to its policy !
~ fighting for the principles of de- !
nocracy. 1t will make no alliances or
permit in its name any conduct from
my foreign people anywhere that will