Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger.
Washington, February 19, 1904.
(Mr. Hay transmits the reply of Russia to the proposal of the United States, which says that the Imperial Government reciprocates in the desire for tranquillity in China, and that it is ready to enter into an engagement with the powers for the maintenance of the neutrality of that Empire provided that China herself strictly observes neutrality, that Japan complies with the agreement between the powers and observes the principles of international law, and that it is understood that Manchuria, in which military operations must of necessity be carried on, is excepted from the neutralization.)