861.00/8874

The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Harvey ) to the Secretary of State

No. 266

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, as of possible interest to the Department, the official report of Questions and Answers in the House of Commons on July 6th, regarding the movement of Japanese troops in certain portions of Eastern Siberia.

I have [etc.]

(For the Ambassador)
[No signature indicated]
Counselor of Embassy
[Enclosure]

Questions and Answers in the British House of Commons, July 6, 1921

Eastern Siberia

Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Imperial Japanese Government has given any assurances to His Majesty’s Government regarding the occupation of the Russian half of the island of Saghalien, the city and port of Vladivostok, and portions of the maritime province by Japanese troops; what is the nature of those assurances; and whether the annexation of the Russian half of the island of Saghalien by Japan is to be recognised?

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth): The Japanese Government has informed His Majesty’s Government that, in view of the disturbed state of Eastern Siberia, it feels compelled to keep garrisons at Vladivostok, Saghalien, and at various points in the Maritime Province, until a satisfactory settlement can be arrived at with the legitimate Russian Government. So far as His Majesty’s Government are aware, the island of Saghalien has not been annexed to Japan.