Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger.
(Mr. Hay acknowledges Mr. Conger’s last telegram and states that he has received fuller reports of the conferences from the Japanese minister. The President disapproves the word “irrevocable,” as apparently equivalent to the ultimatum to which he understands all the powers are opposed. The President gravely questions whether it will be possible to have the death sentences executed in all cases. He also doubts the advisability of the clause prohibiting the importation of [Page 352] materials which enter into manufacture of munitions of war. Mr. Conger is instructed to present the foregoing views to his colleagues and, after urging them, to advise the Department of the result. He is directed to submit for the President’s consideration, before signing, copy of the identical note.)