Page:America in the war -by Louis Raemaekers. (IA americainwarbylo00raem).pdf/158

 The Japanese Mouse

"Can the Japanese mouse free the Russian bear from the German netting?"

"Japan must act on the broad principle that she is the guardian of peace in the Far East, and I am sure that to fulfil her duty she will utilize every resource at her disposal. Her part, instead of attempting the impossible, will be to stand on safe and reasonable ground. Through her control of the Southern Manchuria Railroad she is in a position to cut off communication between Harbin and Vladivostok now afforded by the trans-Siberian line. Harbin is the military, economic, and political base of Russia in the Far East. That means that the Russian possessions in East Siberia would be protected by Japan from German domination or aggression. Let me say, however, that any suggestion that Japan intends to seize these Russian possessions is monstrous. Japan would offer protection and assistance, but that is all."

—Dr. T. Iyenaga, in the New York "Tribune."