New-York tribune., 1920-07-30
Tokio's Seizure of ISL
and and Crestion of
Buffer States in Sibe-
ria May Cause Break
Washington Sees
Serious Situation
Mikado Called On TO Ex-
plain Policy Adopted in
II Demands on China

FROM 1he Trt5une's WdShington Bureau
WASHINGTON, July 29.-The pro
test of the United States government
against Japanese occupation of Sag
halien Island and the setting up of
buffer" states in Siberia and Man
churia- will, it is believed here. open
UP serious international situation
Official comment is refused, however
on account Of the extreme delicacy of
the situation.
In any case the United States govern
ment has gone to the mat" with the
imperial government of Japan, OBJ
servers here assert The result, they
say, will be that Toxic must face what
she was not compelled to face ct the
peace conference in Paris-namely, tn c
outlining of the policy which she adopt
ed since the twenty-one demands were
presented to China after the beginning
of the World War.
Once the question is opened and be-
comes subject of international ex-
change of notes, it is said, Japan will
be called upon to explain her policy
not only in Saghalien Island, but also
IN the creation OF "buffer states" in
Siberia and in Manchuria
This policy. it is declared, is closely
connected with the apparent determina-
tlon OF Japan to secure exclusive con-
troll of the Chinese Eastern Railroad,
despite the explicit understanding that
1t was TO be under international con-
troll. This was the understanding when
the United States withdrew from the
Chinese Eastern Railroad.
Note Kept Close Secret
Details OF the nete on Saghalen Isl
and were unavailable here. The matter.
in fact, is believed so delicate at the
present moment that there was con-
siderable surprise here that the Toxic
government had permitted the matter
to become public. This government is
what has actually transpired in the
Siberia, and Manchurian territory in
which Japan is establishing buffer
states"
Dates set for certain operations by
the Japanese military authorities in
dlcate, according to Far Eastern OBJ
servers, that there has been great
deal Of camouhage and secrecy in the
undertakings Of the Imperial Japanese
government. For instance, it is said a
certain report to the Toxic govern
ment from the military commander in
Siberia is dated July I, and states his
intention to seize territory extending
$50 miles west CT Lake Baikal.
The ytruth is that this thing which
was about to be done was already a
fait accompli or July I.
The two buffer states already have
been carved out, it is said. They are
now occupied by $4,000, approximately
a division, of first class Japanese
troops. With 10000 troops, this terri
tory could be dominated by Japan, and
on the extent Of the domination de-
sired for tho time being will depend
the strength of the force kept there.
This territory is composed OF two
triangles, the apex of each triangle
resting on the Siberian and Manchurian
border. One triangle is carved north
and east in Siberia; the other south
and east into Manchuris. One leg
of the Siberian triangle runs along
the Amur River. The other extends
along the Chinese Eastern Railway,
with the base resting behind Vladivos-
tok. Starting from the same apex,
the other triangle of territory has one
Of its legs paralleling the Eastern
Railway, while the otner runs straight
through Manchuria.
United States Studying Situation
This one has no practical base, lcav-
ing it without definite limits as a
"bufer state" and therefore all the
better adapted to the process of pen
ctration. All this is declared to have
been practically accomplished before
the military commander in Siberia re-