A SURPRISING STORY

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1917, Page 3

A SURPRISING STORY

Japanese Troops In France. [Che following from the San Francisco correspondent of the Dunedin ‘‘Scar,” is rather surprising. Whether it is true or a characteristic pieoe of Press fiotion from the United Scales, must be left for the reader to decide, It is published for what it may be worth.] Athough strongly associated with the Entente Allies, it was learned in the United States with the greatest surprise that thousands of Japanese troops have been landed on the west coast of Canada during the early part of March by tho Allies and transported to Quebec, and are now in France. It was definitely known that the first brigade of Japanese troops, numbering 25,000 men, passed through Canada jn the first few days of March, bound for France. The information was learned from J. L. Tobias, chancellor of the Obioago Law School, who learned of the troop movement from an inspecting engineer in the employ of the Canadian Government. The engineer has now returned to his home in Chicago. Here is the story as told to Tobias : —“ I thought ths entire world knew by this time the A'lies had begun to transport Japanese troops across America to France. Not until my arrival in Ohioago did I become aware of the censorship on this news- I wai not the only astonished one when 1 saw 25,000 Japanese soldiers marching in Ottawa last week. They had come from Vancouver. In front of the palace the troops were reviewed by ex-Premver Laurisr. Afterwards thsy gave an exhibition of their firness by doing a doable quick march for a mile to the railway depot. At the depot they were entrained for Qaebsc, aud the journey across 'he sea. Their outfit was perfect. They were equipped for a long campaign. I was told by Captain Aseltioe, bead of a Canadian battalion recently returned from tbe trenches, that this brigade was the first of a large number of Japanese soldiers which the Allies are sending to France. He estimated that within two months more than a million Japanese would be in ths tranches of France. The Canadian officer explained that the first brigade of the troops to pass through Canada were veterans of the Russo-Japanese War, and were tbe pick of the Mikado’s army. mSmmmmmmKmmmmmmummmmmmao