861.77/1033: Telegram
The American member of the Inter-Allied Railway Committee (Smith) to the Secretary of State, transmitted by the Consul at Vladivostok (Caldwell)
[Received August 22, 3:21 a.m.]
474. Following from Smith.
“Some months ago Committee passed regulation that in case of any infraction of rules regarding train movements, railway officials were to apply to military forces guarding that particular sector to restore order. This was done especially on account of Semenoff. All military have followed rule except Japanese. Committee sent several letters to commanders but Japanese did not reply. Again, July 25th we reiterated request and recently received reply from General Otani as follows:
‘In view of the fact that Japanese troops are located in the commonwealth with the aim of maintaining order and political quietness, they must, of course, render assistance to the railways against malefactors tending to harm railway movement in case their duty will require it. However, all misunderstandings arising with regard to railways among Allied troops, including Russians, and Allied agents, which by their character are subject to decision by corresponding governments or diplomatic agencies [and] representatives, as well as small incidents which can be liquidated by Russian authorities or militia, or incidents of a similar character, do not allow Japanese troops to interfere with them.’
When letter was read to the Committee Matsudaira22 said that he did not understand the first sentence and feared that English translation was wrong. Chairman handed me letter which was written in Russian and translation was correct; then he stated that the letter was probably written in Japanese and wrongly translated into Russian. He will investigate and report. … No recent complaints about Semenoff received. Smith.[”]
- Tsuneo Matsudaira, Japanese member of the Inter-Allied Railway Committee.↩