Copy of communication handed by Mr. Witte to the President at Sagamore Hill, N. Y., Saturday evening, September 9, 1905.
Some years ago, in consequence of a misunderstanding in the interpretation of the most-favored-nation clause, there were established in Russia on several articles of American production customs duties on a higher scale than those levied on the same articles when imported from other countries.
His Majesty the Emperor of Russia has commanded me to inform the President of the United States that he has been pleased to order the discontinuance of the levying of such higher duties on American products in order that henceforth the American manufacturers should pay the same duties as importers from other countries.