861.77/1025: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Morris), temporarily at Omsk, to the Secretary of State
[Received August 17, 1:30 p.m.]
General Takayanagi informed me this morning that he was in receipt of a telegram from his superiors in Tokio overruling the conference’s interpretation of the railway agreement (see my July 27, 5 [4] p.m.) and stating that the Japanese were guarding certain sections of the Trans-Siberian Railway from all interference with the operation of the line, and that they were protecting the employees of the line; but that in regard to the operation of the line or the treatment of the railway employees, the Japanese military officials have no authority to interfere with any action taken by any Russian who occupies a recognized official position under the Omsk Government; and that any disagreement between a Russian under the authority of the Omsk Government and a national of any country engaged in operation or the protection of the railway was a matter for discussion between the Omsk Government and the Government of the other person involved.
This interpretation evidently devised to permit Semenoff a free hand on the railway from Manchuria to Verkhnieudinsk would appear to make it impossible for the American railway engineers to remain longer in that section.
[Page 571]Lantry, who has general supervision of the Baikal division, telegraphs:
“August 11th. Gravis called on General Saithe [Saito?], commander of Japanese, Manchuria to Olovyannaya, as to protection his territory. Saithe [Saito?] told him he could not interfere with Semenoff in any way whatever. Japanese have been withdrawn from Dauria station which gives Semenoff a free hand in examining passenger trains. Commandants of Semenoff’s armored trains now insist upon using regular passenger engines to handle their trains instead of armored engines. Some railway employees Olovyannaya and Borzia again whipped by Semenoff’s officers. Gravis’ interpreter arrested by Semenoff by force charged with being Bolshevik agitator. Do not think we are doing the right thing in asking or permitting our officers to remain in that territory and recommend permanent withdrawal;” and also
“August 13th. Situation between Verkhnieudinsk and Manchuria I consider alarming. Gravis, now at Chita, has a written expression from Oba stating will keep the line free of Reds. No need of protection against Semenoff interference. Gravis considers situation desperate and recommends permanent withdrawal as he feels satisfied will not be given necessary protection by Japanese. If we wait for an example I am afraid we will be sorry.”
The Omsk Government admits that at present it is powerless to control Semenoff or prevent his interference with the railway in the territory which he dominates. The Japanese Government now for the first time definitely refuses to protect the representatives of the Inter-Allied Technical Committee in the performance of their duties; Semenoff emboldened by the passive attitude of Japan is apparently defying the authority of the Inter-Allied representatives, terrorizing the railway employees and controlling the operation of the railway to suit his own purposes. The Department will appreciate the fact that the engineers are alone at widely separated stations surrounded by hostile Cossacks and unable to rely on the protection of the Japanese soldiers. Under these circumstances Stevens and Emerson feel they are not justified in risking the lives of the engineers and are preparing to withdraw them from the Semenoff section. I fear the effect of this action on the entire railway operation and have requested Emerson not to accept issue formal order of withdrawal until I could submit the matter for the consideration of the Department.
I would appreciate a prompt answer.