When hostilities had begun, a dramatic incident reminded the world that Japan, the ally of Great Britain in the Far East, was not viewing the course of events unconcerned. On Monday, August 16th, it was announced that the Japanese Government had delivered an ultimatum to Germany in the following terms: “We consider it highly important and necessary in the present situation to take measures to remove the causes of all disturbance of peace in the Far East, and to safeguard general interests as contemplated in the Agreement of Alliance between Japan and Great Britain. “In order to secure firm and enduring peace in Eastern Asia, the establishment of which is the aim of the said Agreement, the Imperial Japanese Government sincerely believes it to be its duty to give advice to the Imperial German Government to carry out the following two propositions: 1. Withdraw immediately from Japanese and Chinese waters the German men-o’-war and armed vessels of all kinds, and to disarm at once those which cannot be withdrawn. 2. To deliver on a date not later than September 15th to the Imperial Japanese authorities, without condition or compensation, the entire leased territory of Kiau-Chau, with a view to the eventual restoration of the same to China. “The Imperial Japanese Government announces at the same time that in the event of its not receiving by noon on August 23rd an answer from the Imperial German Government signifying unconditional acceptance of the above advices offered by the Imperial Japanese Government, Japan will be compelled to take such action as it may deem necessary to meet the situation.” When Germany was confronted with heavy odds, Japan remembered the events following the war of 1894-5, when this Power, having joined in robbing her of the spoil of her victory over China, herself entered into possession of Kiao Chau, as the price for the lives of two murdered missionaries. Thus, at the touch of German arrogance, four great sea Powers of the world arrayed themselves against her--the British, French, and Russian fleets in European waters, and the great navy of Japan in the Pacific.