Japanese Recognition

Protracted negotiations, inaugurated in 1921 between Russia and Japan, were at last brought to a successful close on the first anniversary of Lenin's' death by the signing 'at Peking by Bolshevik Ambassador Karakhan and Japanese Minister Yashizawa of a treaty of recognition.

By this treaty, Japan agrees to resume diplomatic relations with Russia and, although she was not granted all the demands that she first made, the successful conclusion of the treaty negotiations was hailed as a great Japanese victory. Actually, Russo-Japanese relations will not be resumed until ratifications have been exchanged.

Main provisions of the treaty:

1) Expression of sincere Russian regret for the massacre of Japanese at Nikolaevsk in 1920.

2) Lease to Japan of 50% of oil concession in Northern Saghalien for 45 years, Russia to receive a royalty of 10 to 15% on the output (45% if gushers are brought in).

3) Recognition by Russia of the Portsmouth Treaty which terminated the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05.

4) Military evacuation by Japan of Northern Saghalien by May 15.

5) Debts and treaties, other than the Portsmouth Treaty, to be discussed at a future conference.

6) Propaganda by either nation in the country of the other to cease forthwith.

The settlement shows that both parties compromised on their original demands. Russia, in. that she consented to negotiate before recognition was accorded (the reverse method with Britain and France has been a failure as regards the first country, and is likely to be so as regards the second). Japan, in that she consented to receive a simple apology for the Nikolaevsk massacre, the word of Russia to cease propaganda (she had demanded adequate guarantees) and a reduction of her concession demands.