London, Feb. 20.
There is a growing interest in commercial circles in Japan's demands, but the conflicting statements made render criticism dificult. The China Association is discussing the purely commercial side of the de-published. Several news-pagers, including the Manchester Guardian" ini apprehension. statement in the House of Commons that the four Powers have agreed upon the settlement of all questions after the war, renders it difficult to understand how the d mands can now be discussed, but is eminently desirable to publ the exact text.
Up to the present the German submarine blockade has been ineffective. Shipping is being carried usual. Neutral Powers are ively discussing joint action.
ish opinion is not perturbed, particularly since reliable reports show that in rural Germany the people are on the verge of starvation and that the Government has been impelled to take desperate measures.
The Allies calmly continue to make preparations for increased military activity in France and Flanders, while Russia is reinforce ing her- East Prussian force, which encountered superior numbers and sustained some losses, although nothing serious or affecting the campaign in the least.
The destruction of two Zeppelin airships during a storm shows their weakness for effective work. The British aeroplanes sre easily superior to the German machines.
Life in Great Britain is quite normal.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.