The Russian Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Washington, March 16, 1906.
Mr. Secretary of State: By virtue of special provisions recently promulgated the importation into the Empire of Russia, the Grand Duchy of Finland included, of all kinds of firearms (except ordinary sporting guns), such as cannon, shells, explosives of all kinds, gunpowder, cartridges, nitroglycerine, etc., is absolutely prohibited. In spite thereof these articles, shipped to anarchist committees, are at times surreptitiously carried across the border and after are confiscated by the authorities.
In order to avoid any misunderstanding on that account and with the hope of discouraging as far as possible this unlawful importation, I have the honor, by order of my Government, to apply to your excellency with the request that you will kindly lend your cooperation to the end of causing such measures as you deem necessary to check the exportation of these prohibited articles to Russia to be taken consistently with the existing laws of the United States.
Hoping that the Department of State will favorably receive this request, I embrace this opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretary of State, the assurances of my highest consideration.