The New York herald., 1922-01-24
JAPANESE PLEDGE TO LEAVE
SIBERIA MAY BAR DEBATE

his Government from recalling its
troops in accordance with the under
standing regarding the dispatch of the
military expedition TO Siberia In 1918.
He explained that following with
drawal of the United States troops In
january. 1920. it was found necessary
to continue the Japanese troops at
several points along the Trans-Siberian
Railway in order TO facilitate rescue
of the Czech forces.
Conflicting Statements.
The Ambassador declared that ever
since then Japan has been looking for
ward to the moment when she would
withdraw her troops. He said the only
region that now remains to be evacu-
ated is the southern portion OF the
maritime province around Vladivostok
and Nikolsk. which statement is not
in agreement with the official repre-
sentations made by spokesmen for the
Chita and Vladivostok governments.
The Ambassador enumerated among
the causes that compelled retention OF
the military forces of his country III
the maritime provinces the need OF
protecting Japanese Of long residence
who were and are menaced by Bolshe-
visit forces. He also pointed out that
due to geographical propinquity japan
is compelled to protect herself from
Corean insurgents. who cooperate
with the lawless clements in Russia
which menace the security Of Japanese
interests in Corea-
He asserted that no part OF the 81
berian maritime province is under con-
troll of the Japanese military wnicn
has not sought to set up either civil
or military administrations TO dispiace
local authorities. This statement is al
variance also with the assertions OF
Siberian spokesmen.
The Ambassador admitted in his
statement that his Government nad
assisted the Ataman SemenoH Ia
heading off rapprochement between
German and Bolshevist Governments
and had continued to support MN ior
some time. He declared that when II
was found assistance to the Ataman
was likely to complicate the Siberian
internal situation Japan had terHii-
mated all relations with bim.
Withdrawal Plans Considered.
Baron Shidehara declared that his
Government is now seriously consio-
ering plans looking to complete WIFI
drawal of Japanese troops from the
maritime provinces, with reasonable
precautions for the security OF Japa-
nese residents and Of the Corean from
tier regions" He instanced the nego-
tiation between Japan and Chta
agents at Dairen to prove the amoi-
ton of Japan to assist the Siberians 20
set UP a stable government.
The conditions existing In the Rus
sian provinces in the northern part OF
Sakhalin. the Ambassador said fuily
justified the retention of military
force there. He gave the history OF
the revolt of Siberians against the
Japanese In March, 1920. during which
700 subjects of the Mikado, including
| women and children, were slain at
Nikolaieysk after being tortured He
said no nation worthy of respect could
possibly permit such an outrage with
out retaliation.
| Under the actual condition of
things" said the Japanese Ambassa-
dor. Japan found no alternative but
to occupy as measure of reprisal
certain points in the Russian province
of sakhalin pending establishment in
Russia of responsible authority with
which she can communicate In order
to obtain due satisfaction
The Japanese authorities tonight
expressed confidence that the state
ment and pledge made by Baron
Shidehara will terminate further dis
cussion OF the siberian issue. In other
words. they believe Japan VIII not DC
compelled to change her Siberian pol
! icy in any way.