The New York herald., 1921-01-15
DEMAND IS SENT
TOXIC ON SLAYNG
OF NAVY OFFICER
Note to Japan Raises the
Question of Right to
Stay in Siberia.
L. S. STARTS AN INQUIRY
Admiral Gleayes Now on
His Way From Manila
to VladiyOstok.
INDEMNITY is OFFERED
Commander of MikadO's Forces
Indicates Intention to Stay
in Russia.
INDEMNITY IS OFFERED
Special Despatch to TIE New YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. G.. Jan. H.

New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. g.. Jan. IL.
The United States has sent note TO
Japan because of the death of Lieut..
Warren Fl. Iangdon, l.. S. n. who was
shot by japanese sentry in Nladivo-
stok. Considerable significance at
taches to the note both on account Of
the seriousness of the incident in
which Lieut. Langdon lost his life and
because Of the fact that the Japanese
attitude toward Siberia is involved in
the situation.
Dwelling on the seriousness of the
incident, it is understood the note sug-
gests the possibility of repetition of
similar affairs which might seriously
strain the friendly relations existing
between Japan and the United States.
The note questioned by implication the
right Of the Japanese soldiers to chal-
lenge any American officer, soldier or
sailor. That phase of the case is af-
fected by the report from Admiral
Gleaves that Gen. Oi had issued or
ders that Americans in Vladivostok
we're not to be halted by Japanese
sentries.
The note further insisted upon such
alteration of the Japanese attitude as
to make impossible recurrence of such
an incident The Foreign Office at Toxic
is said to have been told that the Lang
don incident was not the first unpleasant
encounter between japanese and Ameri-
cans and 10 have suggested that in n
majority Of the cases the japanese ap-
pear to have been the aggressors.
That Japra - willing to rectify the
injury and take steps to prevent recur-
renee of a similar incident was indicatfd
in q formal note of regret from the
Toxic Government. transmitted through
the Japanese Ambassador. Baron Shide-
hara, and by the report that Japan is
ready to pay an indemnity.
II is assumed in certain quarters that
the American note raises the question
not only as 10 expediency OF Japanese
troops remaining in Siberia, but also
suggests the questionable right of their
presence.
The Government of the United States
viii make its own Investigation of the
incident. A despatch received by the
Navy Department to-day from Admiral
Gleaves, commander-in-chief OF the
Asiatic Fleet on his way from Manila
to vladivostok, announces the personnel
Of the American naval court of inquiry
which will probe the affair. This court
consists of Captain II. 1. Cone, COM
manding U. 8. S. Huron; Commander
]. B. Rhodes, commanding U. S. S.
wilmington: Commander Robert v.
Lowe. commanding the naval station.
Olongapo, Z. l.. and Major Eugene r.
Fortson, u. S. NJ. c. fleet marine
officer.
The members OF the court will leave
Manila, January 20.
The court is expected to 80 into all
circumstances surrounding the death OF
the American naval officer. and its
investigation and the report will con-
slider whether he was within his rights
while walking the streets of Vladivo-
stok This feature will bring to head
the question of Japanese occupation of
Siberia and Is expected to result in a
showdown between the two govern
ments concerning the entire Siberian
policy OF Japan.
Information reaching Washington
and the proclamations issued by Gen
OF. commander OF the Japanese force,
in Siberia. show that the Japanese not
only propose to remain where they are
bur that they will take military meas.
ures to maintain theiD position In the
shifting political conditions that exist
there.
There also are indications that the
Japanese are considerably disturbed over
the recent Bolshevik concessions grant
ed the American. Washington y. Van
derlip, and that they are using pressure
10 force disavowal OF the concessions
from the local vladivostox Govern