The Washington herald., 1920-02-07
CONGRESS- KEPT.
In DARK ABOUT
PLANS
State Department Refuses
To, Take House Into
Its Confidence.
BAKER PASSES BUCK
Says Explanation of Change
Of Policy Is Up to
Lansing.

That the administration is not dis
posed to take Congress into its con-
fidence on its Siberian policy was in
dicated at a hearing before the House
Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday.
The committee had under con-
sideration the resolution by Repre-
sentative Mason, Republican, of Illl-
nois. calling on the State Department
for detailed Information on the cour Sc
pursued by this government in North
ern Russia and Siberia.
Third Assistant Secretary of State
Long told the committee he did not
know just what would be proper for
him to communicate TO Congress, but
promised, when offered additional
time. TO ascertain what Information
he could properly supply.
For a long time. Mr.. Long stated.
President Wilson declined to send
American troops into Siberia. but af-
terwards entered into an agreement
with the allied and associated pow
ers. This agreement, which fully sta
ted the American plan. was reduced
to writing. he said. and was accepted
by Japan in an official statement. a
copy of which was furnished to the
United States.
Secretary Of War Baker testified
that all drafted mem had been with
drawn from Northern Russia and ST.
.teers still are in Siberia. They will
be on their way home next month.
the Secretary added.
Americans In No Danger.
A dispatch from Gen. Graves. in
command of the American expedition
in Siberia, said Mr.. Baker. confirmed
reports that revolutionists have
charge of the town of Vladivostok.
but that there was no danger to the
American forces, who were being per-
mitted to leave.
is not the withdrawal of our
troops a complete change of policy on
the part of ihe United states since
you were last before the cornmIttee%'
Representative Mann asked.
The Secretary replied that it was.
but when pressed for the reason
for this change of policy. or what
consideration moved the President
and Great Britain to withdraw their
troops, he said he could not an
swer. That is a matter for the
Secretary of state. he explained.
Secretary Baker reiterated his
previous statement to the commit
tee that his furnishing arms and
munitions to Admiral Kolchak was
a personal act and not official.
Following is the information As
sistant Secretary Long promised to
find out whether or not he could
supply:
II. A copy OF the agreement by
which the United states entered into
an agreement to send American
troops to Northern Russia and Si-
IBERIA, if 1t be in writing. If not
in writing, then to furnish to Con-
gress the verbal agreement made
between the President of the United
States and the kings. and the rea-
son for entering into the Russian
civil war. and the reason for con-
tinuing in Northern Russia and ST.
IBERIA after the armistice was signed
'2. All communications had be-
tween the President and all of the
so-called governments of Russia:
also. if compatible with public
safety, all agreements made by the
peace commission with the approval
of the President with regard to the
affairs of Russia.
$50 Tho u rhaI l.,
writing. between the President and
the Mikado of Japan in regard to
the different zones or territories to
be occupied by Japan. the United
States and the allies.
Il. The agreement between the Pres
CONTINUED on PAGE TWO.