The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-08-04

attacking them and to steady efforts
at self government or self defence in
which the Russians themselves may be
willing to accept assistance. Whether
from Vladivostok or from Murmansk
and Archangel. the only present object
for which American troops will be en-
ployed will be to guard military stores
which may subsequently be needed by
Russian forces and to render such aid
as may be acceptable to the Russians in
the organization of their own self de-
fence.
with such objects in view the Gov
ernment of the United States is now
cooperating with the Governments of
France and Great Britain In the mel sh-
borhood of Murmansk and Archangel
The United States and Japan are the
only Powers which are just now in a
position to act In Siberia in sufficient
force to accomplish even such modest OBJ
Jects as those that have been outlined.
The Government of the uhited States
, has therefore. proposed to the Govern
, ment of Japan that each Of the two Gov
ernments send a force of a few thousand
| men to Nladivostok. with the purpose of
cooperating as A single force in the oc-
cIpation OF Vladivostok and in safe
guarding. so far as 1t may. the country
to the rear of the westward moving
Czecho-Slovaks, and the Japanese Gov
eminent has consented.
Contemplate No Interference.
I'm taking this action the Government
OF the United States wishes to announce
| to the people Of Russia in the most pub.
lie and solemn manner that Il contem.
Plates no interference with the political
sovereignty of Russia. no Intervention
i'll her internal affairs--not even in the
local affairs OF the limited areas which
her military force may be obliged 10
occupy-and no Impairment or her ter.
| r.torial integrity either now or here.
after but that what we are about to dc
has as its single and only object the
rendering of such aid as shall be &C
ceptable to the Russian people them
| selves in their endeavors to regain con.
| troll of their own affairs. their own ter.
r!tory and their own destiny. The Jap.
| anese Government. II Is understood, will
| issue a similar assurance.
These plans and purposes OF the Gov
eminent of the United States have been
communicated to the Governments OF
Great Britain. France and Italy, and
those Governments have advised the
Department of State that they assent to
them in principle. No conclusion tina,
| the Government OF the United States has
arrived at IN thiS important matter IL
| intended, however. as an effort 10 re-
! strict the actions or interfere with the
independent judgment of, the Govern
ments with which We are now associated
in the war.
1T Is also the hope and purpose OF
the Government OF the United States to
take advantage of the earliest oppor-
tunty to send to Siberia commission
of merchants. agricultural experts. la
Dor advisers. Red Cross representatives
| and agents of the Young Mems Chris
tian Association accustomed to organ
izng the best methods OF spreading use
fup information and rendering educa-
tional help of a modest kind. In order in
some systematic way to relieve the I'M
| mediate economic necessities OF the peo'
| pie there in every way for which an OPP
portunity may open. The execution OF
| this plan will follow and will not be per-
| mitted to embarrass the military as
! sistance rendered to the Czecho. Slovaks
1T is the hope and expectation Of the
| Government of the United states that
| the Governments with which it IS asso-
| ciated Will. wherever possible. lend their
active aid in the execution of these mil
itary and economic plans"