AMERICA'S BREAK WITH BERLIN.

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 85, 12 April 1917, Page 2

AMERICA'S BREAK WITH BERLIN.

WELCOMED IN JAPAN

TOKIO, Feb. 5. The diplomatic rupture between the United States and Germany was welcomed with enthusiasm throughout Japan, The press devoted columns to the telegraphic reports announcing the bivak, and to the .observations'of diplomats and publicists on the situation.

The interviews given by ■■•prominent diplomats and.navy officers,, all unnamed, to the press unanimously agreed,"that-as the American Navy'is one of the strongest in the world it Avoulc 1 be ari oasy task to help crush the German naval power in event of a declaration of war, and thereby accelerate the termination of the great war. America would thus cap tho climax to the titanic struggle, and contribute to the restoration of an eventual lasting.'peace■throughout tho'world.

The Ji'ii said: "Tlie strength and useful effect of the American Na.vy will bo very far-reaching, especially in sweeping the German submarines from the Atlantiic, the Mediterranean, and the North Sea in co-operation with the Entente navies."

-,-The Yorodzu called the action.of the United States the great evolution of the .European war, <and an epbehjnakino: event.

"Too much liberalism and leniency had been shown Germany by ' the United States," said the Asahi. "Ifi President Wilson did'not.Stake a decisive stop and declare war on Ger- j many and force" her to ■■ abandon her j aggressive ambitions, ho would not be able to realise his coveted lasting peace of the world." Admiral Kato, Minister ' ; of jthe Navy, in an interview, said that if the American Navy took the 'offensive j against the Germans it would surely be effective in.sweeping the German Naivy from the international sea routes and stop the menace to the world's shipping interests. Marquis Olcuma, in a brief interview, declared that the determination of the United States' was a natural, .courso of the events of the past, and now t-hat: America had openly pledged her hostile attitude, it was needless to pay that. Germany would eventually be compelled to jlay aside her arms and yield, abandoning her ambitions and I aggressive designs. This was a cause; of great congratulation for the sake of i the world and the peace and happiness j of humanity. (• ' Fears tfiat the situation would iiffect AhiPrica's great impoiLation of Japanese silk caused a panic: in the Yokohama silk market. Prices fell abruptly, causing losses estimated at 500,000 dollars. The directors closed the market. Merchants think the panic not justified by conditions, arid believe that Japan eventually would benefit by complications between the United States and Germany. ■■■-.'•!