The Secretary of State to the Japanese Minister.

No. 231.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, No. 67, of the 27th ultimo, inclosing a copy of the English translation of a report received by the Japanese Government from the commander of the Japanese army in the island of Saghalien, accompanied by a supplementary statement of the superintendent of the field hospital attached to said army, respecting instances of the disregard and violation of the laws and customs of war by the Russian army during engagements which recently took place in that island.

The Department has taken note of your statement that, in the belief of the Japanese Government, the conduct and practice of the Russian army, as stated in the above-mentioned report, constitute grave offenses against stipulations of the Geneva and Hague conventions, and that it is with this belief in view that the Japanese Government desires to bring the above to the notice of the Government of the United States, and to invite its consideration thereof, so that the matter may be made a subject of international discussion at such an opportunity as may present itself in the future.

Accept, etc.,

Elihu Root.