File No. 861.77/516
The Ambassador in Japan (Morris), temporarily at Vladivostok, to the Secretary of State
[Received October 8, 4 a.m.]
Your October 3, 6 p.m., deeply appreciated. The railway negotiations are not yet concluded. Ustrugov referred to in my September 30, 9 p.m., has been very active in advocating an utterly impracticable plan with a view to delaying action. The new Japanese Ministry to-day cabled its representatives here that it did not approve passages in it but suggested that the Russians under Japanese advisers operate the line from Changchun to Harbin and from Harbin to Karymskaya. This is impossible and Stevens with my approval definitely refused to consider it. Two organizations can not operate a main line. This is evident to the Japanese representatives here, who are now earnestly supporting our plan, and they have replied to their Government urging its acceptance. Because of your telegram and of these developments I have given up my journey to Harbin and will remain here.