New-York tribune., 1918-03-08
Toxic Considers
Wilson View of
Siberian Question
| Stof Corfespon1lencel |

ASHINGTON. March THE inter-
est of the Japanese government IS
centred upon the reply of the United
States to its request for an expression
CT views OH the new situation which
kas developed in Russia. The reply,
according to high authority, stated
the views OF the United States to be
that physical intervention woulG be
unwise. and that the Russian people
should he allowed to work out their
own salvation.
The two questions receiving the i'm =
mediate consideration Of Japan are .
How, otherwise than by physical inter
ventlCn, can the Allies assist Russ ia
And, Does the menace OF German in
fuence penetrating the Far East, with
Is threat to Japan. warrant the occu-
patton of Siberian territory against the
advice of America, although urged by
Britain and France a measure IN con
Sonance with the views Of the Japanese G
government itself?
Britain and France. it was learned
ro-day, possessed foreknowledge OF
Japan's preparedness to dispatch troops
20 Siberia before they replied to Toxic S
invitation to express their views on
tlelT
replies, although the form of the Jap
anese communication did not neces-
sarily require such Il commitment, rec
commended physical intervention in ST.
IBERIA by Japan.
The Japanese Viewpoint
AS understood in Entente circles
here, the Japanese view Of the Rus ian
situation is:
Japan is near a threatening confa-
grafton, and deems it best TO extnguish
1t rather than risk the danger of it
spreading to Japan by permitting it %
die out after running its course. Japan
regards the situation with the utmost
concern. being nearer to the scene OF
tn, troubles than the United States
1t does not believe the Boishevik go7-
crnment 10 be capable OF protecting
Japan's vital interests, and d secondary
consideration is the cause OF the Allies
itself. which the Bolshevihi have be
trayed.
1T does not materially affect the
situation whether the Bolshevik lead
ers are actually paid German agents
they are playing the German game and
are injuring the interest OF the Allies
to the same degree that they are aid
ing the Central Powers. Consequent
ly, whether the Bolsheviki. az the Con
gress of Soviets to be held in Moscow
March 12. accept or reject the German
peace terms, their incapacity for dis
charging the national and information
al obligations of Russia has beer
proved and in this situation Japan must
consider what steps are necessary fol
her self-protect
Toxic Still Undecided
il was reiterated to-day that japan
had not yet reached decision, but
would give the fullest and profoundest
consideration to the expressed views
of the United States. Japan holds
that the presence of British Amer
ican and japanese war vessels at Nlad
ivostok in itself constitutes physica
intervention in Russia, il the Russians
are so inclined to regard it, and that
the movement Of forces by Japan into
Siberia would be different in degree
rather than in kind
Decision by Japan to enter Siberia
il was asserted, would make yer,
radical departure from the policy she
mas heretofore pursued, which has beer
IDENTICAL, as relates to Russia, with
hat of the United States at the pres
ent time. When the decision is ac
tually made, however. it Will be com
municated to the United States and tt
all the Allies before any physical ste,
is ordered.
1t is considered extremely doubtful