File No. 861.00/1969
The Japanese Ambassador (Ishii) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 5.]
Dear Mr. Secretary: With reference to the statement of Ambassador Francis published in the Official Bulletin of April 18, 1918,1 I am instructed to submit to you the following observations on certain passages which appear to be somewhat at variance with the facts as known to the Japanese Government.
The Japanese Government understand that the commander of the British war vessel at Vladivostok was in full sympathy with the steps taken by the Japanese Admiral and the landing of the British marine was effected, not in anticipation of the unrest that might result from the Japanese landing, but to protect the British subjects and Allied interests from the danger which existed prior to, and which in fact necessitated, the Japanese landing. That the British Government have approved the action taken by their naval commander was subsequently confirmed by the advices to the Japanese Admiral by that officer. A part of the Japanese marine was detailed to protect the local French Consulate in compliance with the wishes of the Consul who deemed it advisable to demonstrate to the Russians the stability of the Allied unity by openly supporting the action taken by the Japanese Admiral.
The Japanese Government further understand that Admiral Knight, in commending the Japanese action, remarked that were the American citizens exposed to a similar danger, he would not hesitate to resort to the same steps.
I am [etc.]