Arizona republican., 1919-11-08
NOTE SAYS JAP
SOLDIERS NOT
BOUND BY RAIL
BOARD ORDERS
Reply Is Moderate in Tone
But Disagrees with U. S.
Viewpoint on Many
Points Under Discussion
IRepubIlean A. p. Leased wirel

lHCPbollSan ~ r. Leased Wirel
TOXIC, Nov. T. The Japanese
government. in its reply just for
warded to Washington to the Ameri-
can note OF last September, complain
ing OF lack of cooperation by
Japanese troops in the operation of
the trans Siberia railroad, draws a
sharp distinction between the military
protection fthe railroad. which ii is
willing to undertake, and obedience to
the orders and instructions Of the in
ter-allied railway commission under
John W. Stevens, or the SUBSIDIARY rail-
road board, which Is in nowise con-
templated.
The correspondent Of the Associated
Press finds that the note, which is
moderate in tone and which, as a
diplomatic document, bears evidence
OF the exceeding care expended upon
its composition, declares that no in
formation in the possession of Japan
bears out the contention in the note
Of the American government that
Japanese troops have fatty refused to
protect lives or properties of the al
lied railroad inspectors In the territory
controlled by the Cossack General
Semenoff. The note expresses the
opinion that the American contention
Is based upon some misunderstanding
and suggests that the American gov
ernment bring forward any concrete
facts upon which 1t bases its cases. In
this event the Japanese government
would be glad TO furnish material
which might explain the Japanese side
OF the case.
Facts at Variance
1T is a matter of no small regret
that information in the possession of
the United States in regard TO misun-
derstandings and differences Of this
kind arising between nationals of the
United States and Japan in Siberia
seems at variance with information
reaching the japanese government"
the note observes.
The government wishes especially to
emphasize the fact that the primary
duty Of the military is the defense Of
the railway itself. believing that this
is vital IL the railway is to be operated
at all. II is thought, too, that the
government of the United States will
realize the great efforts and sacrifices
made by the Japanese troops in de-
fense OF the railway.
II, however, it is declared in the
note, the American government thinks
that the allied military forces should
be made subordinate to the inter allied
commission or to the subsidiary tech
nical board, the Japanese government
regrets TO sa ythat II is unable TO fall
in line with that attitude. Apparently
desirous that the foregoing statement
should not cause fresh misunderstand-
ing the note continues:
However, the Japanese government
would in no case insist that their
military forces are under no obligation
TO cooperate In forwarding the gen.
eral operation of the railroad. The
japanese troops will put forward all
possible efforts to remove anything
that stands in the way oftheoperation
of the railroad and will by no means
shut their eyes to the perpetuation OF
offenses calculated to endanger the
lives and property Of inspectors and
engineers
Think Stand Proper
Taking up the American references
TO the instructions to the Japanese
military concerning on-interference
In case OF disputes. the note submits
that there seems to be nothing Inn
proper in this stand. On the cotrary
IL thinks that any uncalled for inter-
vention by Japanese troops in disputes
between officials or military fo9ees OF
the allied powers is liable to create O
grave situation. pregnant with the
most undesirable consequences. The
object Of the japanese instructions
being TO avoid the creation OF any
cause Of misunderstanding or i'll
feeling. Il Seems evident what greai
Importance the instructions attach tt
the furtherance OF mutual under
standing and cooperation.
'Tt would therefore be wide OF the
mark" II is stated "to allege that II
regard 10 the genera Operation OF tht
railway the Japanese troops accept ne
obligation for cooperation"
The reply then refers to the modu'
vivendi reached by Ambassador Nor.
ris at v1adivostok on September p
and to the instructions later given tt
fhe Japanese commanders and regis
ters the pleasure Of the government
that this caused satisfaction to th'
American government