Office of the Historian

Mr. Bryan to Mr. Hay.

American Legation,
Lisbon, February 17, 1904
No. 60.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that immediately on receipt of your cable instructions directing me to consult the minister, for foreign affairs with the view of securing the good offices of Portugal with Russia and Japan, in order that the neutrality of China may be respected by them, I hurried to the foreign office. Informed that the minister had gone to northern Portugal for several days’ sojourn, I followed him there, and secured his approval of your proposals, subject to the King’s acquiescence. To obtain this royal consent the [Page 701] minister returned here yesterday, and last evening handed me the memorandum, which I send herewith, with translation. The minister assured me that it gave this Government sincere plea sure to adhere to the propositions made in your telegram, and he hoped that I would cable this hearty concurrence. * * *

I have, etc.,

Charles Page Bryan.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

memorandum.

The Portuguese Government concurs with satisfaction in the proposition of the Government of the United States of North America that the neutral powers unite in employing their good offices with both Russia and Japan in order that the neutrality of China may be respected, and that as much as possible the area of hostilities may be localized and limited so as to prevent inconvenience, undue excitement and disturbance of the people of China, and that the commercial and pacific relations of the world may be as little prejudiced as possible.

(Note.—On this subject see circular of February 20, 1904, printed on page 2.)