The Acting Secretary of State to the Japanese Ambassador.
Washington , November 23, 1906.
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, No. 60, of the 22d instant, inclosing the translation of an ordinance issued by the Japanese minister of state for communications exempting American vessels trading to Japan, from and after the 26th instant, from any further survey as regards hull, boilers, machinery, and equipments than is necessary to satisfy the inspection officers that these matters are as stated in the vessel’s current certificate of inspection, on condition that such exemption is not to extend to the inspection required, for sanitary reasons, in respect to the accommodations provided for passengers.
In behalf of your Government you apply for similar exemption from inspection for Japanese vessels trading to the ports of the United States, upon the understanding that such exemption would not interfere in any way with the operation of the act of Congress, known as the “passenger act,” approved August 2, 1882.
In reply I have the honor to say that copies of your note and of its inclosure have been sent to the Secretary of Commerce and Labor for his consideration and appropriate action.
Accept, etc.,