The Mena weekly star., 1920-08-05
CRISIS FEARED WITH THE LAPS
American Protest of Occupation of Siberian Island Is Discussed-Pre- mier Admits Situation Is Serious
 but Fails to Disclose Program.

Tokio, July 2S.--The Japanese gov ernment has received a communica- ton from the United States pointing out, among other things, that America is unable to recognize Japan's occupa- tion of the northern half of the island of Saghalien. The Nichi Nichi says of the nature of the protest, however, the impression exists here that the communication is not really a protest but rather an exposition of the Amer ican viewpoint on occupations of Rus sian territory with something of Americas attitude towards the terri tory to be occupied.
 It is apparently felt here that any publication of the details of the note should emanate from Washington and not Tokio. Meanwhile it is considered likely that Japan, after mature de- liberation will forward an answer to Washington in an attempt to clarify official opinion there and remove any misunderstanding of Japan's position.
 Serious Crisis.
 Appearances here indicate that Jap an is passing through another ser ious crisis" concerning her relations with the United States Numerous il- 'erpellations nave been made in the the American attitude and while the important newspapers are counselling their leaders to keep cool, it is apparent that certain amount of apprehension exists concerning the result of the congressional investiga- ton.
 It is being conducted with the ut- most fairness, and attention is being called to statements that a number of Americans have come forward sponta- neously to testify in favor of the Jap anese. Among the incidents which have tended to fan anti-American feel ing, was the publication here of re- ports that burning of Japanese stores in Marysville, Calif., was possibly the act of anti-Japanese elements. Arti- cles also have been printed that somes Americans were engaged in attempts to steal Japanese maps and these have resulted in increased surveil- lance of American tourists. {
 Discuss Occupation.
 Tokio, July 29.--Japan's intention to occupy Saghalien. Siberia, station ing troops at Khabarovsk and else where, over which protest has been made by the United States was the subject of an interpolation recently ! in the house of peers, Ichizo Hattori, former governor of Hyogo province, i wanted to know whether Japan in- tended to occupy Saghalien perma- nently in event of failure to obtain sat isfaction of the Nikelaievsk massacre from such government as might eventually be established in Russia.
 Hattori declared that nothing caus- ed deeper and more sustained resent ment than when a nations territory was partially occupied by another na- tion He said Russia was in confusion now and might prove easy to deal with, but that the fact should not be lost sight of that Russia was a coun- try of great possibilities.
 Remains a Secret.
 Premier Hara, replying, said it would be detrimental to Japan's inter ests to disclose what the government to do, if no satisfactory set clement of the Nikolaievsk massacre was found.
 'Hattori fears occupation of Rus sian territory by Japan might leave indelible resentment on the part of the Russians" declared the premier. T share his fear, but think it impos- sible that Japan will do nothing to obtain satisfaction for a massacre in which TOO Japanese lives were lost, even though action is taken that may be productive Of Russian resentment.
 As there is no stable government in Russia at present, there is no alter native but to occupy the necessary points in Saghalien province pending establishment of a legitimate govern ment. l am desirous that such gov ernment as will give Japan satisfac- ton shall be established in Russia as quickly as possible'