War in the Far East. Report by Joint Intelligence Sub-Committee

3. Disadvantages. (a) Russia would be engaged in a war on two fronts. These would strain still further her reserves of men and material, and would face her with the necessity of dividing a diminished war production between these two fronts. The diversion of effort between the two fronts might result in the collapse of one or both. The maintenance of the front in the West is of paramount importance. (b) If Russia entered the war against Japan the Vladivostock supply route by which Russia is receiving many vitally important raw materials would be closed.