The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1919-04-03
SEEK DETAILS
Of JAP GRANT
FROM MEXICO
State Department Starts Probe
of Purchase In Lower Cali
f~ornia-Causes Of Irritation
With Japan Accumulate.
Ryuni.ed Press.

ByUnited Press.
washington, d. c., Aprl 1.-The
| state department today asked the
| American embassay at Mexico City for
a full report on the alleged Mexican
concession OF land In lower California
| to Japaneses interests.
In making this announcement the de-
| partment added II had no official word
| from Mexico On the reported conces-
| sion, was unable to determine as yet
| whether the land was the same as that
to be sold two weeks g by the Cali
| fornia and Mexican Land company to
| Japanese interests and did not know
| whether the concession had actually
been made or report Of it merely sent
| out as a 'feeler."
Mexican Ambassador Bonillas has
no advices regarding the reported ne
gotiations, but has asked Mexico City
for information. 1t is known here that
the Mexican view is that the transfer
OF property to Japanese citizens or
companies is not in violation of the
Monroe doctrine. The Mexicans point
to the increasing japanese interest in
all South American west coast coun-
tries, and particularly to the recent an
OdliSS SoilCCooIOi1. W oPuhp
as grounds for such action.
Refuse Discussion.
Japanese Ambassador Ishii declined
to discuss the reported deal. The Jap
anese, 1t Is learned in diplomatic quar-
ters, hold that the Japanese transact
tons in Latin America are purely COM
merclal n can be given no political
significance.
SnnIxy ttn jt-.o oa,. a. frn,,h1o
in commercial relations of Japan and
the Americas" one Japanese diplomat
said today. ....- ....t .F.as".a g.E s.
The state department declared today
that it has heard nothing from the
California & Mexican Land Company,
of Los Angeles, since 1T virtually
Lower California land to the Japanese
two weeks ago.
Course Not Clear.
Should sale of this land be consum-
mated, despite the state department
warning, 1t was not stated what re-
course would be taken. Whether any
thing other than moral force would be
exerted is a problem not at present
contemplated, 1t was indicated today,
The department apparently has no
fear on hat score and points out that
two years ago, when the California &
Mexican Land Company was about to
give a long term lease to a Japanese
syndicate, the deal was called off i'm
mediately upon protest of the depart
ment. -. -,
Disputes Multiply. W." 'o'
While probably purely c~oincidental.
nevertheless matters of frration be-
tween the United States and Japanese
governments are beginning to accu-
mulate.
Issues involving marked difference in
viewpoint on the part OF the respective
nations now include:
1. The question Of race equality be-
fore the peace conference in Paris.
2. The Tien Tsin clash between
American soldiers and Japanese.
8. The question Of American CO.
operation with the Japanese in Siberia
against real and alleged bolshevist fac
tons.
4. Efforts of Japanese to get a foot
hold in lower California.
"Showdown Imminent"
The situation as regards he Jap
anese claims for race equality as an
article OF the league OF nations Is
clothed in secrecy at Paris but is con-
s~picuous for the silence surrounding it
there and the fireworks attending the
issue both in the United States and
Japan. The two other issues are grow
ing more and more prominent n
there is likelihood of a showdown-in
friendly diplomatic fashion-on all
three.
Mexico Jumps In.
Mexico has suddenly injected her
self into the situation, according to
advices here, by granting concessions
to q Japanese corn corporation to eX-
plot agriculture lands in Lower Cali
fornia. The land in question is under
stood to be the property. by concession
in 1884, of the Mexican Land Com
pany. But the Mexican government
says his concession is now void and
the property belongs to the govern
ment. The state department started
it's inquiry into the reported deal to-
day. Two weeks ago., when 1t was re-
ported that Japanese interests were
trying to acquire a tract of land in
Lower California from the California
& Mexican Land Company, Of Los
| geles. the state department indicated
such q purchase by the Japanese would
not be viewed without concern, and
| this was taken to he friendly notice TO
Mexican and Japanese interests. BY
forwarding and publishing the Senate
resolution Of 1912, opposing the sale of
any property by Americans to any ma
ton which might use the property as
a base from which to attack the United
States, the state department is believed
to have acted not merely to keep clear
the skirts OF American citizens.
This government is trusting to the
moderation and good judgment OF the
present japanese ministry to, prevent
straining OF existing amiCable re
lations. it can be. stated a~uthoritatively
today.
Jap Jingoes Busy.
Meantime the lingo press of Japan
a few headstrong military leaders and
other extremists outside the Toxic gov
eminent have tried to magnify and
stimulate some little friction. particu.
.arly In Siberia. Cable dispatches to.
DAY reported the Japanese war min,
lister announced in the diet that Amer
lcan troops in Siberia had refused t.
II HRht with 49, -