[Telegram received by the Japanese minister from his Government on February 7, 1904. Handed to the Secretary of State.]
See the Secretary of State as soon as possible and ask him whether the United States Government, if Russia consents, will permit its embassy in St. Petersburg and its consulates in various places in Russia to assume charge and protection of the Japanese subjects and interest in Russia.
You will add that the Imperial Government retain lively appreciation of friendly offices extended to them by the United States during the China-Japanese war, and they venture to hope that nothing will prevent the United States from acting for them in a similar capacity in the present instance.