Mr. Loomis to Mr. Takahira.

My Dear Mr. Minister: The Department is just in receipt of the following telegram of to-day’s date from Mr. McCormick, at St. Petersburg, stating that he has been informed by the minister for foreign affairs that under the rules of war of February 14 last the [Page 435] departure of the Japanese from Korsakov will be permitted; that arrangements may be made for a neutral vessel to proceed there when navigation opens, which will take place about May 1; and that facilities have been promised for direct communication with all Japanese subjects in Siberia as soon as information concerning their whereabouts can be obtained. It is stated that some of them desire to remain there.

I am, etc.,

Francis B. Loomis.