Mr. Griscom to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Tokyo, February 15,
1904.
No. 45.]
Sir: I have the honor to confirm, as per copies
appended hereto on the overleaf, your telegram of the 10th instant, in
relation to the desire of the United States Government that the
neutrality of China and her administrative entity shall be respected by
both Japan and Russia during the war which is now taking place.
In compliance with your instructions I sought an interview with the
minister for foreign affairs on the 12th instant and handed him the note
as per copy inclosed herewith, in which I embodied your telegraphic
instructions. The minister assured me that his Government was heartily
in sympathy with all the ideas expressed by you, and from the time when
war became imminent he had advised the Government of China to maintain a
strict neutrality, with a view of avoiding the very possible resultant
evils which are so clearly pointed out by you. He informed me that Mr.
Takahira had some two or three weeks ago been instructed to inform you
of the views of the Japanese Government in this matter. I then asked him
if he would kindly give me as soon as possible a written reply to the
note which I addressed to him.
On the following day, the 13th instant, I received Baron Komura’s reply,
a copy of which I inclose herewith.
There can be no doubt but what the Japanese Government is in entire and
sincere sympathy with the views of the Department in this matter.
I have, etc.,
[Page 420]
[Inclosure 1.]
Mr. Griscom to
Baron Komura.
American Legation,
Tokyo, February 12,
1904.
Mr. Minister: In compliance with
telegraphic instructions from the Secretary of State I have the
honor to express to your excellency the earnest desire of the
Government of the United States that in the course of the military
operations which have begun between Japan and Russia the neutrality
of China and, in all practical ways, her administrative entity shall
be respected by both parties and that the area of hostilities shall
be localized and limited as much as possible, so that undue
excitement and disturbance of the Chinese people may be prevented
and the least possible loss to the commerce and peaceful intercourse
of the world may be occasioned.
I avail, etc.,
[Inclosure
2.—Translation.]
Baron Komura to
Mr. Griscom.
Department of Foreign Affairs,
Tokyo, February 13, 1904.
Mr. Minister: In response to the note which
your excellency did me the honor to address to me on the 12th
instant on the subject of the neutrality of China during the
existing war, I beg to say that the Imperial Government, sharing
with the Government of the United States in the fullest measure the
desire to avoid as far as possible any disturbance of the orderly
and peaceful condition of affairs now prevailing in China, are
prepared to engage to respect the neutrality and administrative
entity of China outside the regions occupied by Russia so long as
Russia, making a similar engagement, fulfills in good faith the
terms and conditions of such engagement.
I avail, etc.,
