File No. 861.00/3264

The Ambassador in Japan ( Morris ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

Supplementing my November 20, 12 p.m.1 I have spent a considerable portion of two days in conference with the Japanese railway expert in an effort to determine just what the General Staff plan of supervision means practically. I was finally able to reduce it to definite terms. In an informal talk this morning, I requested the Minister for Foreign Affairs to submit my analysis of the whole suggestion to the military authorities and inquire whether it was correct. When the memorandum is returned to me, and if approved by the General Staff, I will telegraph it in full with my comments for the consideration of the Department. I have been careful to express no opinion on it. I am rather forcing the issue with the staff in this way because, in the interest of Russian people, I am sincerely anxious to reach some agreement for the operation of the railways and this seems the right moment to press for it.

Morris