Peking, Jan. 21.
The Chinese are vastly interested in the possibilities of tre Siberian situation. The war has awakened an interest in national <ffairs. In many Chinese circles which were formerly concerned with nothing but crops or the daily ba'svce of shop accounts, one hears cussions now of Bolshevism in quarters of Peking which a few years ago were at a loss to distinguish between a republic and empire. While many factions in the South seem to be rejoicing over America's withdrawal from Siberia, believing that Japan in the defence of her interests in Korea and Kuantung will be forced to undertake seriously the defence of Eastern Siberia, and will therefore have little attention to devote to China, high Chinese _Government officials are much distressed with the possibilities of the situation and, realizing better than the South the binding character of the agreements into which they have entered with Japan, watch—the advance of the Red forces with real terror.
It must be remembered that the military alliance between China and Japan is still in force and cannot be cancelled until all foreign troops, including the Japanese, are withdrawn from Siberia. If Japan cares to enter upon the Siberian campaign upon a big scale, she is therefore in a position to demand cooperation of the Peking Government, and failing strong Chinese participation and efficient Chinese maneuvring—on the Russian border, she would have the best possible apology for taking over communications, military affairs and even the Government of Northern Manchuria and Outer Mongolia as defensive measures in the comnion interests of China and Japan.
Cmrsesn Troops' Goop Reconp.
According to the testimony of European officers who have returned from Easterd Siberia, the Chinese troops who have" been participating in the protection of the railways have been particularly efficient and well behaved and have given no Power concerned excuse for interference in their particular job. If the present Red advance is to be effectually checked, however, a great deal more will be involved than the guarding of railways, and it is very doubtful if China can play a sufficiently big part to warrant her much authority in the disposition military affairs on the Siberian frontier. It is also to be doubted whether any forces, except—those under the imuiediate control of General Hsu Shu-cheng, will res-yond more than half-heartedly to a Japanese appeal for support; and the very backwardness of the Chinese both in Peking and
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.