File No. 861.77/451
The Secretary of State to the Japanese Ambassador (Ishii)
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I am enclosing for the information of your Government the text of a telegram dated September 13, [Page 254] 1918,1 which has been sent to the American Ambassadors at London, Paris and Rome, relative to the service, in Siberia, of the Russian Railway Service Corps. I have also communicated the text of this telegram to the British, French and Italian Ambassadors and the Chinese Minister. At the same time I requested them to bring it to the special attention of their Governments, and expressed my confident expectation not only of the full understanding but also of the cordial cooperation of the Allied Governments which they represent.
You are aware of the importance I attach to our purpose to assist Russia in the matter of transportation. I have felt it necessary and a part of frank understanding, that our aim should be disclosed fully in order to anticipate the formation of opinion based on partial information.
The American Ambassador at Tokyo has already informed your Government of our general proposal in regard to the Russian Railway Service Corps, but I would be glad to have you bring this telegram also to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. It states the whole purpose of this Government on the subject it covers without any reservations whatsoever.
I need not add that I should be glad at an early opportunity to discuss any questions affecting this matter which you may desire to bring to my attention.
I am [etc.]