The Acting Secretary of State to the Japanese Ambassador (Chinda)

My dear Mr. Ambassador: With reference to our conversation of yesterday in relation to the Japanese battleship Hizen off the port of Honolulu, I wish to call your attention to further information which has been received in regard to the operations of this ship and its launches in that locality. I am advised that the ship’s steam launches have been cruising in the Harbor of Honolulu without lights Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, and that the commander of the battleship appears disinclined to observe the neutrality of the port.

I am calling your attention to the improper conduct of the Hizen in this informal manner, in the hope of avoiding a formal communication to your Government on the subject, and of averting a situation which might assume a serious aspect.

I am [etc.]

Robert Lansing