Mr. Buck to Mr.
Hay.
United
States Legation,
Tokyo,
Japan, December 9,
1901.
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a
communication from the minister for foreign affairs in response to the
note, a copy of which accompanied my dispatch of the 26th ultimo, on the
subject of the steps taken by the Japanese navy to assist the transport
Hancock.
In acknowledging the expressions of thanks for the sending of vessels to
the Hancock’s assistance, the minister for
foreign affairs’ note is to the effect that the minister of the navy,
while appreciating the quartermaster’s desire to reimburse the expenses
involved, states that the expenses for the vessels are not expected to
be refunded.
The quartermaster has been informed accordingly.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Mr. Komura
Jutaro to Mr. Buck.
Department of Foreign Affairs,
Tokyo, December 5, 1901.
Mr. Minister: I have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s note dated the 20th
ultimo, expressing through me to the minister for the navy your high
appreciation and thanks for two Japanese vessels having been
dispatched to the assistance of the United States transport Hancock, aground near Moji, and at the same
time desiring that the bill of expenses for the two vessels be made
known.
Having at once communicated to the minister for the navy upon the
subject, I am now in receipt of a reply from him requesting me to
state that he profoundly appreciates your excellency’s courtesy, but
that the expenses for the said vessels are not expected to be
refunded.
I avail, etc.,
Komura Jutaro,
Minister for Foreign
Affairs.
