The Japanese Minister to Acting Secretary of State Adee.

No. 51.]

Sir: Referring to Mr. Hioki’s note No. 49, dated September 18, I have the honor to inform you that the intention of my government is to carry out the proposed arrangement for the exchange of the prisoners soon after ratification of the treaty by the respective sovereigns, which becomes immediately operative thereon even before the execution of the usual formalities of exchanging the same.

I beg to request you to be so good as to further communicate the above to the Russian Government.

Accept, etc.,

K. Takahira.