The subject of allied military intervention in Russia for the purpose
of freeing the country from German domination attracted a great deal of
attention in June. The allied Governments did not define their attitude
toward this matter, but it seemed certain that the United States did
not favor sending an interallied military expedition into Russia.
Japan refrained from any action in this direction. The only measure it
took was to enter into an agreement with China for the protection of
the general peace in the Orient from possible German and Bolshevist
aggression. The principal clauses of the military treaty between China
and Japan, signed May 16, 1918, are in substance as follows:
The two Governments, with a view to warding off the danger
constituted for them by the penetration of German influence toward
the eastern frontier of Russia, have decided to regulate their
conduct in regard to the enemy by placing themselves in agreement
on a footing of perfect equality, and in according each other
mutual aid in that region where their common action is to be
exercised.
The Chinese authorities will facilitate the task of the Japanese
authorities, who will be enabled to conduct the transport of
troops and establish in the occupied territories works which
shall be removed at the conclusion of military operations, and,
moreover, undertake to supply war material and munitions, as well
as engineers and a medical staff and other necessary specialists.
The Japanese must in return respect Chinese sovereignty and
local customs, and will evacuate Chinese territory as soon as
the operations are terminated. The agreement will automatically
cease to be valid as soon as the state of war between the two
contracting parties and the Central Powers is terminated.
One article of the agreement provides that Chinese troops may be
employed outside the national territory, and another stipulates
that the two Governments shall come to an understanding with the
Chinese Eastern Railway Company if this railway should have to be
used during the course of the operations.