File No. 861.77/518

The Secretary of State to the Japanese Ambassador ( Ishii )

My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I am enclosing a copy of a memorandum1 which contains the essential details of a plan which has now been agreed to formally by Mr. Morris and Mr. John F. Stevens, in cooperation with the Allied representatives at Vladivostok, and with Horvat, representing the management of the Chinese Eastern Railway, and Ustrugov who has undertaken to speak for the management and personnel of the other railways which form the Trans-Siberian Railway. It is understood that Mr. Matsudaira and the Japanese Staff in Siberia have also expressed their approval.

Mr. Morris has been informed that this Government accepts the plan with the express understanding that the proposed arrangement will make it clear beyond cavil that Mr. Stevens, as advisor of the Russian railway administration, and the Russian Railway Service Corps of American engineers who will assist him, represent Russia [Page 278] and not the United States or any possible interest of the United States. I consider this point essential for, as you are already aware, the United States has no desire or purpose to secure an interest in the railways of Russia or to control them for itself.

With this express understanding, I am confident you will be able to advise me at an early date that the agreement which now has the approval of all others concerned, will also have the hearty support of Japan.

I am [etc.]

Robert Lansing
  1. Ante, p. 275.