861a.01/287
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Warren)
Sir: The Department has received your despatch No. 237 of June 7, 1922, and has read with interest the enclosed paraphrase of a telegram from Mr. Thomas at Chita reporting an expression of opinion by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at that city touching the relations of his government with Japan and China and the position of the United States in respect thereto.
It is presumed that a copy of this message has been furnished to the Legation at Peking.
The Department does not take too seriously any implied criticism by the Chita authorities of the Siberian policy of this Government. The record is clear and the generous action of the United States at the Conference on Limitation of Armament is generally understood and appreciated by Russians. Any different attitude at Chita is probably attributable to the supposed requirements of local politics and to suggestion from Moscow. The situation should now be somewhat clarified by the announced purpose of the Japanese Government to withdraw its troops at least from the Maritime Province. It is almost unnecessary to add that any attempt of the Chita authorities to foment antagonism between the United States and other Powers or to play one Power off against another will be unsuccessful.
You may communicate the foregoing to Vice Consul Thomas for his information and guidance.
I am [etc.]