File No. 861.77/585a

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

[Telegram]

During the progress of railway negotiations Department has noted the persistence of the suspicion which exists in Japan in regard to the United States. Perhaps it is not possible to overcome this suspicion at once in the minds of the public because it [Page 294] seems to be grounded upon apprehensions which the rapid development of the United States has awakened. This Government believes, however, that it owes it to Japan as well as to itself to leave no effort untried to have the facts appreciated by the Japanese Government. The following may be quoted as examples of the character of suspicion and rumor reported:

(1)
That the United States is endeavoring to secure control of Russia’s railways and is backing the employment of the Russian Railway Service Corps on that account;
(2)
That the United States is endeavoring to secure control of the trade of Siberia, instances of the fisheries and other exploitations being quoted;
(3)
That the Railway Service Corps in fact is a selected personnel of agricultural experts, industrial promoters and others who will use their work with the Russian railways as a cloak for their real purpose, which is to establish American interests and control.

It is, therefore, suggested that if occasion offers you discuss this question frankly with members of the Japanese Government. You can, of course, assure them that this Government has no deep policy or hidden purpose in any of the measures it is endeavoring to take in order to assist Russia. You can also say that this Government hopes Japan will not show a lack of confidence in our purpose by failing to bring at once to our attention any matters which seem in any way at variance with the purpose which the United States has declared. The principal measures which are being sanctioned by this Government at present in regard to Siberia are:

(1)
The employment of Mr. Stevens and the Russian Railway Service Corps in the service of Russia;
(2)
The organization of the War Trade Board of the United States Russian Bureau, Inc.;
(3)
The military assistance sent to rescue the Czecho-Slovaks;
(4)
The activities of the Red Cross;
(5)
The activities of the Y.M.C.A.

You can assure the Japanese Government that every one of these undertakings is open to the freest discussion and inquiry and that it would be regarded only as the part of friendly interest if Japan were to desire the most complete details in regard to all or any one of them. This is a matter which the Department desires to leave largely to your discretion. At the same time it is hoped that you may see your way clear to broach the subject and advise the Department as to what progress, if any, you believe can be made concerning a question which is regarded as being of the first importance.

Polk