Russia and Japan
Journalists interviewing M. Litvinov at Washington asked one of the questions which have often occurred to Britons and Americans during the last few days. Was it likely that Russia would soon find herself at war with Japan? M. Litvinov is reported as saying that the Soviet Union had no present intention of opening a Far Eastern front, and he did not think it would be in the interest of Japan to provoke Russia at the moment. There should be no surprise at this statement. Naturally, it would be a great relief to our forces in the Far East if the heart of Japan were bombarded, as it easily could be, from the neigh- bourhood of Vladivostok. But the war has to be considered in regard to all its operations on all its fronts. There is no greater service that Russia could render at this juncture than to engage the massive land armies of Hitler with all her resources, and to continue to inflict the heavy blows she is now dealing. It is true, she has an equipped and self-dependent army in Far Eastern Siberia, and is capable of dealing with any attack that Japan might make. But it is obvious that the opening of a new front would be a distraction from her supreme effort in the west. It is what Hitler would desire, and, therefore, obviously what we should not desire. No doubt, since she is our ally in the European war, and regards Japan—to use M. Litvinov's words—as one of the " gangsters," incidents might at any moment arise which would force the pace. But that is no reason why she should precipitate a rupture, nor is there any reason why Japan should do so either merely to please Hitler. The Ambassador assured his questioners that Russia had never demanded that Britain should launch a premature land offensive. In like manner this country, having precisely the same interest in ultimate victory as Russia, is not likely to ask her to extend her operations at a moment when such action would embarrass her.
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