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."
