Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1914, Supplement, The World War

File No. 704.9462/1

The Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs (Kato) to the Japanese Ambassador (Chinda)¹

[Left at the Department of State by the Japanese Ambassador,
August 23, 1914, 2:45 p.m. ]

[Telegram]

The German Government failing to make answer to Japan’s advice within the time limit assigned therefor, a state of war exists between Japan and Germany from noon, August 23, 1914.

In informing the United States Government of the above, you will request them to take over charge of the Japanese Embassy and consulates and to undertake the protection of the Japanese subjects in Germany.

The Japanese Chargé d’Affaires at Berlin has been instructed to notify the German Government of this arrangement, but you will also request the American Government kindly to bring the matter to the knowledge of the German Government.

1. Received at the Embassy, August 23, 1914.