HC Deb 09 March 1922 vol 151 c1473
42. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Lord President of the Council whether the question of the continued occupation of the northern part of the island of Saghalien, the port of Vladivostok, and the maritime province of Siberia by the Japanese was discussed at Washington; if not, can he give the reasons; and whether his attention has been called to the support being given by Japanese naval and military forces to the counter-revolutionary generals and their bands of soldiers in Vladivostok and the maritime province?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The second part does not, therefore, arise. It is well known that Vladivostok and the surrounding zone are in the occupation of Japanese forces. My information is that M. Merkuloff, the head of the Vladivostok Government, has complained that he does not receive support from the Japanese.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Are His Majesty's Government satisfied with the assurance of the Japanese that they are going to withdraw these forces?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Yes.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

With regard to the northern part of Saghalien, has it not come to practical annexation without any justification?