Mr. Neill to Mr. Hay.

No. 1005.]

Sir: Regarding the desire contained in Department’s instruction of September 23 last to obtain and forward without delay copies of the neutrality proclamations issued by the Government of Peru during the war between Russia and Japan, I have the honor to inform you that I was able to obtain copies of a note from the legation of Japan, in Mexico, of February 11, 1904, advising this Government of the declaration by Japan of the war against Russia, and asking that measures be taken by Peru for the maintenance of its neutrality.

Also the reply given by the Peruvian foreign office to the said note, wherein the minister for foreign relations, at that time Doctor Elmore, assured the legation of Japan that Peru would maintain the strictest neutraliiy, for which purpose the necessary measures had been taken.

These are the only two documents having relation to the matter, existing in the Peruvian foreign office, of which I inclose copies and translation.

I have, etc.,

Richard R. Neill.
[Inclosure 1.—Translation.]

Mr. Soughimoura to Doctor Pardo.

Mr. Minister: In accordance with instructions from my Government, I have the honor to inform your excellency that on the first of the present month His Majesty the Emperor, my august Sovereign, issued a decree declaring war against Russia, and at the same time to express to you that the Government of His Imperial Majesty does not doubt that Peru will maintain strict neutrality, and hopes that the necessary measures will be, taken to make the same effective.

I take this opportunity, etc.,

K. Soughimoura.
[Inclosure 2.—Translation.]

Mr. Elmore to Mr. Soughimoura.

Mr. Minister: I have had the honor of receiving the esteemed note of your excellency of the 11th of February last, in which you are pleased to inform me, in compliance with the instructions of your Government, that on the first of February of the present year His Majesty the Emperor of Japan had issued a decree declaring war against Russia.

Your excellency expresses to me, at the same time, that the Government of His Imperial Majesty has no doubt that Peru will maintain strict neutrality, for which purpose he trusts that the necessary measures will be taken.

In reply I must inform your excellency that my Government sincerely deplores the fact of war being declared, but it once having commenced it will maintain, in compliance with its duty, the strictest neutrality.

I take, etc.,

Alberto Elmore.