861.77/665: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 11:10 p.m.]
658. From Lansing and McCormick.
Department’s 568, February 4, 6 p.m. In view of situation which you report the President withdraws the suggestion with reference to presenting to congressional committees our proposed action with reference to Siberian railways. The President further authorizes the following:
- 1.
- That you formally accept the plan on behalf of the United States, with reservation as to financial responsibility which shall be the subject of further discussion, and that you notify the Japanese in this sense.
- 2.
- That you request Secretary Baker to see that instructions are given General Graves as contemplated by plan.
- 3.
- That the War Trade Board Russian Bureau, Incorporated, advance such funds as it can spare in amounts approved by the Department for the temporary support of Stevens as proposed in Mission 521, January 31st, 8 p.m.
- 4.
- That you give immediate instructions to Ambassador Morris to inaugurate negotiations for a definite plan for operating the railroad.
While in deference to your views and those of the Cabinet, the President withdraws his suggestion as to placing this matter frankly before Congress, it is desired that you keep this possibility in mind and avail of any opportunity which may seem to you to be appropriate to keep Congress advised as to our policy with reference to the Siberian railroad. It is felt that this matter can be treated entirely apart from the general Russian problem, as, irrespective of what our policy may be toward Russia, and irrespective of further [future] Russian developments, it is essential that we maintain the policy of the open door with reference to the Siberian and particularly the Chinese Eastern Railway. This cable has been seen and approved by the President.