File No. 861.00/1446
The Consul at Harbin (Moser) to the Secretary of State
The following is translation of telegram sent by General Tanaka, Japanese General Staff, Tokyo, to General Nakajima, Harbin, Japanese Government’s special agent here, for delivery to General Horvat:
From your telegram we have understood the real situation of the town of Harbin and the real aims of General Horvat. We also approved the advice given him concerning the organization of the new government.
I am sure our Government and people in no case recognize the Russian people as our enemies, therefore we have no aggressive aims. Since the time when the separate peace negotiation began between Russia and Germany, Russian territory has been divided and radical communism has been spreading very rapidly. Bolsheviks everywhere now begin to show their force destroying all government order. Entire government is in full anarchy. The Germans, profiting by this, are trying by all means to enlarge their influence in Russia and Far East. Our Empire and the continental countries according to their first program of action in the war, express the wish to participate in any [way] that would put an end at once to the disorder and to restore order against the [omission] of Germany and Austria. Our Government and people in this sense sincerely desire that the true Russians in Siberia would unitedly declare their autonomy, would retrieve the Russians from their unconscious situation, would restore and abolish the influence of the enemy.
In view of the fact that the principles and program organized by General Horvat’s [associates?] agree with the above-mentioned ideas our country will not delay in assisting such a government which we [Page 98] are persuaded will follow its full agreement with our Allies but the Imperial Government can not hasten by military force the [omission] proposed government before this government is established because it would be construed that Japan has secret designs regarding the occupation of Russian soil which might produce inimical feelings in the Russians to force them to turn into the open arms of Germany. This would completely contradict the policy and principles that the Japanese Empire [is] following [in] the most recent situation in the Far East [, which] is very agitated, and up to this time there is a lack of the elements necessary for a declaration of autonomy. The representatives of different towns do not know [with] what or with whom to deal; among them there is no unity and no cooperation whatever and they quarrel [among] themselves in the most foolish manner. Therefore it would seem to us that for the speedy reestablishment of Siberian autonomy even those Bolsheviks should be approached who would sever relations with communism and have expressed a wish to join the new government.
Therefore you should explain fully to Horvat and to the representatives of all those countries regarding the above-mentioned platform and assure them that our Government remains inactive and well-wishing; it desires that the General and his associates would clearly [omission] to far eastern Russia the correct line of action and would form a permanent government uniting the representatives of different parties in one unit. In view of the above, in case the new Siberian government after its full organization turns to our Government with a request for assistance, the latter will not only be ready for all support but will also invite all other Allied countries to the common work for the attainment of the common cause.
Horvat asked what is the compensation Japan would expect for her support. Nakajima replied that he was not authorized to answer but that Japan would not require a foot of territory. She would, however, probably ask for (1) dismantling of all fortifications at Vladivostok which should be an open port; (2) full fishing rights in all Siberia; (3) open navigation of the Amur River; (4) preference forest and mining concessions similar to those demanded of China.
To-night Horvat stated Japan repeated her offer yesterday but he dare not act on her proposal alone lest he be charged with selling his country to Japan and arouse terrible opposition. He could only if America joined in Japan’s requests. But if he should fully organize his government and then ask America’s support and failed to get it his position would be extremely embarrassing. The question uppermost in mind was asked me to-night by M. Grave, Counselor of the Russian Embassy. “Can we secure the support of the United States at all and if so would it continue to the point standing by in case of dispute [with] Japan, or would we be abandoned for commercial reasons?”
[Page 99]Horvat authorized me to-night to inform the Government of the United States that if it cared to indicate its willingness to support him with money and men under American or Allied direction he would immediately organize a provisional government for Siberia here, composed of representatives of all the parties and endeavor to restore definite order in Siberia. He would turn [over] to the United States operation of Siberian, Manchurian railways until the end of the war and with cooperation Allied forces afford protection to the [omission] of war and prevent the movement accumulated Siberian stores of [by] the enemy. And government would follow the military forces into Siberia and when order was restored submit itself to popular election. He would guarantee a republican form of government and recognize no peace with the Central powers [except] in concert with the United States. If America considers this proposal favorably each of the Allies will be asked for support at the same time.
Personnel of Horvat’s organization, substantially same as mentioned in my telegram March 27, 4 p.m.,1 is strongest and much more representative Russian in American experience [sic], and comprising Social Democrats, socialist and moderate republicans, I believe can not be properly charged with Jesuit [monarchist] intentions. Believe other factions Siberia are preparing to ask American assistance and think they would support Horvat government if propaganda makes its aims clear and shows Allies will support him. Siberia trusts only America.