Summary of a telegram from Baron Komura to the Japanese Minister handed to Acting Secretary of State Loomis, April 27, 1905.
Inform Secretary of State that reports are being constantly received by the Japanese Government regarding the measures taken for the restoration of the fighting power to the dismantled Russian vessels now interned at Shanghai and for the preparation for putting them to sea. They are overhauling and testing the engines and other mechanical appliances, taking coal and provisions aboard, and doing various other things which clearly indicate the intention on the part of those vessels to leave the port, in disregard of the terms of internment.
That it is the duty of the Chinese Government to exercise the necessary degree of diligence in order to make her neutrality respected can not be contested, and that, should she resolve to use force at her disposal for the purpose, she can put an end to the scandal complained of is beyond question. But the Chinese Government are disinclined to take even such measures as are necessary for her self-preservation. Nothing but the strongest pressure brought to bear upon China can overcome this disinclination on her part. The Japanese Government have tried all their efforts to make China realize the sense of her responsibility, but it was in vain. Under such circumstances the Japanese Government believe that they would be fully justified in taking all necessary measures in order to protect themselves against the continued danger arising from the practically warlike preparations and movements of those vessels. But out of deference for the large interests which neutral powers have in Shanghai and of the loyal desire on the part of the Japanese Government to conserve Chinese neutrality as far as possible, they are reluctant to resort to the extreme measures, if only that could be avoided.
You will point out to Secretary of State the gravity of the situation and assure him that the only aim of the Japanese Government is to secure a faithful adhesion on the part of the Russian vessels to the terms of internment and ask him if in the circumstances of the case it is not possible for the United States Government, either singly or in conjunction with other interested neutral powers, to bring sufficient pressure to bear upon China in order to make her take necessary steps for putting back the said vessels to the condition of internment and for checking any further activities or preparations inconsistent with that condition.
Inform Secretary of State that the Japanese Government are approaching the British Government in the similar sense.