The Acting Secretary of State to the Japanese Chargé.

Dear Mr. Hioki: The Secretary of the Navy has communicated to me the text of a telegram received by him on yesterday from the commander of our Philippine Squadron stating that Admiral Enquist requests that two lieutenants and three sublieutenants aboard the Russian vessels now interned at Manila, be permitted to return to Russia on account of illness, humanity demanding that they leave the climate of Manila.

On the assumption that the illness of these five officers has been or will be established according to precedent, by means of an examination made by the United States medical officers at Manila and certified by them, I beg to inquire if there is any objection on the part of the Imperial Japanese Government to our granting these officers sick leave to return to Russia, under the conditions exacted in former similar cases.

I am, etc.,

Alvey A. Adee.