The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-11-08

standing and differences OF this kind
arising between nationals OF the United
States and Japanese and Siberia seems
at variance with information reaching
the Japanese government" the note OBJ
serves
The American government, the note
goes on to say, appears to believe that
the Japanese government appears to I'M
derstand that the Siberian railway sys-
tenn is limited to safeguarding the rail-
way and keeping the line open, entailing
no obligation whatsoever for cooperation
by Japanese troops in furthering the
general railway plan. If the expressions
general operation" and railway plan
mean besides the defense of the railway
itself such matters as succoring railway
inspectors in case of emergency, it goes
without saying that the Japanese rail-
way forces are and have been devoting
their efforts to the furtherance Of the
operation of the railroad plan
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 if the railway to be operated
at all. 1t is thought. too, that the
government of the United States will
recognize the great efforts and sacri-
fices made by the Japanese troops in
defense of the railway.
JAPAN CANNOT AGREE
If however, it is declared in the note,
the American government thinks that
the allied military forces should be
made subordinate to the interalned
commission or to the subsidiary techni-
cal board, the Japanese government re-
grets to say that it is unable to fall
in line with that attitude Apparently
deslrous that the foregoing statement
should not cause fresh misunderstand-
lngs, the note continues:
However, the Japanese government
would in no case insist that their milf
tary FORCES are under no obligation to
Cooperate in forwarding the general
operation of the railroad The Japanese
troops will put forward all possible eff
forts to remove anything that stands
In the way of the Operation of the rail-
road and will by no means shut their
eyes to the preparation of offenses
calculated to endanger the lives and
property of inspectors and engineers"
Taking up the American references
to the instructions to the japanese
military concerning non-interference
in case of disputes, the note submits
that there seems to be nothing improper
In this stand On the contrary ii thinks
that any uncalled-for Intervention by
japanese troops in disputes between
officials or military forces of the al
he'd powers is liable to create a grave
situation pregnant with the most un-
desirable consequences.
The object of the Japanese instruc-
tons being to avoid the creation of any
cause of misunderstanding or ill-feel-
ing, it seems evident what great i'm
portance the instructions attach to the
furtherance of mutual understanding
and cooperation.
WILLING TO COOPERATE
1T would therefore be wide of the
mark it Is stated, ito allege that in
regard to the general operation of the
railway the Japanese troops accept no
obligation for cooperation"
The reply then refers to the modus
vivendi reached by Ambassador Nor
is at Vladivostok on September % and
to the instructions later given to the !
japanese commanders and registers the |
pleasure of the government that this |
satisfaction to the American |
government.
The communication closes by a dis |
,ussion of the mission of the new diplo-
matte representative of Japan at the |
headquarters of the all Russian gov
eminent, Count Tsunetada Katp, in /
Siberia. 1t gives assurances that
Count Kato will join in any action
considered necessary to secure the
proper working of the railway and will
strive to further the economic and poll
ical recuperation of Siberia The
tote in conclusion voices the hope that
,ount Kato's efforts will contribute to
he promotion of mutual understanding
Ind cooperation among the allied ma
ionals in Siberia.
Copies of the reply have been sent
10 England, France, Italy. China, and
russia
1t is believed that the Pacific is fully