p 1577 Z7R8I \90M> UC-NRLF B 4 SOb Mbb AO\ Translation. OOERESPONDENCE EEGARDING THE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN JAPAN AND RUSSIA, (1903-1904) JPresented to the Imperial Diet, March, 1904. Traiislatii CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN JAPAN AND RUSSIA. (1908-1004) Prese7ited to the Imperial Diet, March, 1904. nOCUMENT^i OEPTo \ CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THK NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN 'JAPAN AND RUSSIA. No. I. Baron Koiiiiira to Mr. Kiiri)io. Tokio, July 28th, 1903. (Telegram.) THE Japanese Government have observed with close attention the development of affairs in Manchuria, and thev view with grave concern the present situation there. So long as there were grounds for hope that Russia would carry out her engagement to China and her assurances to other Powers on the subject of the evacuation of Manchuria, the Japanese Government maintained an attitude of watch- ful reserve. But the recent action of Russia in formulat- ing new demands in Peking and in consolidating rather than relaxing her hold on Manchuria compels belief that she has abandoned the intention of retiring from Man- churia, while her increased activity along the Corean frontier is such as to raise doubts regarding the limits of 3G5850 her ambition. TIk- unrcstraiiifd jx-nuancnt occupation of Manchnrra bv Russia would rreaU- a condition of thino;s prejudicial i.o llu- Sfcuril>- and interest of Japan. Sucli oc- cupation would be destructive of the principle of equal op- portunity aind in impairment of the territorial inte^^nty of China. ,But, what is of still more serious moment to the Japanese (Tovernment, Russia stationed on the flank of Corea would be a con.stant menace to the separate existence of that l{m]:»ire, and in any event it would make Russia the dominant power in Corea. Corea is an important outpost in Japan's line of defence, and Japan consequently con- siders the independence of Corea absolutely essential to her own repose and .safet\-. Japan po.ssesses paramount political as well as commercial and industrial interests and influence in Corea, which, having regard to her own se- curity, she cannot consent to surrender to, or share with, any other Power. The Japanese Government have given the matter their most serious consideration and have re- solved to approach the Ru.ssian (rovernment in a spirit of conciliation and frankness with a view to the conclusion of an understanding designed to compose questions which are at this time the cause of just and natural anxiety ; and in the estimation of the Japanese Cjovernment, the moment is opportune for making the attempt to bring about the desired adjustment. The Japanese ( lovernnicnt, rejiosing confidence in \our judgment and discretion, have decided to place these deli- cate negotiations in your hands. It is the wish of the Japane.se (Government to place their pre.sent invitation to the Russian Government entirely on an official footing, and you are accordingly instructed to open the question by presenting to Count Lamsdorff a Note Verbale to the fol- lowing effect : "The Imperial Japanese (Tovernment, believing that the Imperial Russian Government share with them the desire to remove from the relations of the two Kmpires e\'ery cause of future misunderstanding, would be glad to enter with the Imperial Russian Government upon examination of the condition of affairs in the Extreme East wdiere their interests meet, with a view to a definition of their respective special interests in those regions. If, as is confidenth' hoped, this suggestion meets approval in principle, the Im- perial Japanese Government will be prepared to pre- sent to the Imperial Russian (TOvernment their views as to the nature and scope of the proposed under- standing." In presenting the foregoing note to Count LamsdorfT, you will be careful to make him understand that our pur- poses are entirely friendly, but that we attach gieat impor- tance to the subject. You will present the note to Count Eamsdorff as .soon as possible, and keep me fully informed regarding the .steps taken by you under this instruction ; and immediately upon the receipt of an affirmative reply from the Russian Government, the substance of our pro- po.sals will be telegraphed to you. No. 2. Mr. A'uriiio lo Jinron Konnirn. Pctcrsburo^, July 31st, 1903. Received, August 2ik1, " (Telegram.) YOUR Kxcellency's telegram of the 28th instant was duly received. In accordance with the instructions con- tained therein, I saw Count Lamsdorff to-day and, before handing to His Excellency the Note Verbale, I stated sub- stantially as follows : The condition of affairs in the Far East is becom- ing more and more complicated, and unless something be done at present with the view of removing all causes of misunderstanding between Japan and Russia, the re- lations of the two countries will increase in difficulty, entailing nothing but disadvantages to both countries. Under the circumstances, the Imperial Government, fully animated by a spirit of frankness and concilia- tion, have decided to approach the Imperial Russian (lOvernment with a view to arrive at an understand- ing. I then handed to him the Note Verbale, saying that I was so instructed. After he had seen it, I expressed my ardent hope that the Ru.ssian (iovcrnment would share the above view in the sanie spirit. Count Lamsdorff said that he was perfectly satisfied with the decision of the Japan- — 7 ese Government, for, as he had said to me very often, an understanding between the two countries is not only de- sirable, but is the best policy ; should Russia and Japan enter into full understanding, no one would in future at- tempt to sow the seeds of discord between the two coun- tries. So far as he was concerned, he was, he said, in perfect accord with the view of the Japanese Government ; but he wished to see the Emperor on the subject before a definite answer was given. He expects Lo see the Em- peror next Tuesday, and promised to give me an answer on the following day. He added that the Emperor would surely approve the matter. No. 3. Baron KoDntra to Mr. I\iiri)io. Tokio, August 3rd, 1903. (Telegram. I IN reference to my telegram of the 28th July, the Japa- nese Government, after giving most serious consideration to the condit'on of affairs in those centres where the in- terests of the two Powers meet, have decided to propose the following as the basis of an understanding between Japan and Russia. " I. Mutual engagement to respect the indepen- dence and territorial integrity of the Chinese and Corean Empires and to maintain the principle of equal opportunity for the commerce and indnstrx of all nations in those countries. " 2. Reciprocal recognition of Japan's prej^onderat- ing interests in Corea and Russia's special interests in railway enter])rises in Manchuria, and of the right of japan to take in Corea and of Russia to take in M:u)- churia such measures as may be necessary for the protection of their respective interests as above de- fined, subject, however, to the provisions of Article I of this Agreement. "3. Reciprocal undertaking on the part of Russia and Japan not to impede development of those indu.s- trial and commercial activities respectively of Japan in Corea and of Russia in ]\Ianchuria, which are not inconsistent with the stipulations of Article I of this Agreement. " Additional engagement on the part of Russia not to impede the eventual extension of the Corean rail- way into southern Manchuria so as to connect with the. East China and Shan-hai-kwan-Newchwang lines. "4. Reciprocal engagement that in case it is found necessary to send troops by Japan to Corea, or by Russia to Manchuria, for the purpose either of pro- tecting the interests mentioned in Article II of this Agreement, or of suppressing insurrection or disorder calculated to create international complications, the troops so sent are in no case to exceed the actual number required and are to be forthwith recalled as soon as their missions are accomplished. — 9 — '' 5- Recognition on the part of Russia of the ex- clusive right of Japan to give advice and assistance in the interest of reform and good government in Corea, inchiding necessary military assistance. " 6. This Agreement to supplant all previous ar- rangements between Japan and Russia respecting Corea." In handing the foregoing project to Count Lamsdorff, you will say that it is presented for the consideration of the Russian Government in the firm belief that it may be found to serve as a basis upon which to construct satisfac- tory arrangement between the two Governments, and \ou will assure Count Lamsdorff that any amendment or sug- gestion he may find it necessary to offer will receive the immediate and friendly consideration of the Japanese Gov- ernment. It will not be necessary for you to say much in elucidation of the separate items of the project as they are very largely self-explanatory ; but you might point out that the project taken as a whole will be found to be but little more than the logical and essential development and extension of the principles already recognized by the two Governments, or of conditions embodied in the engage- ments which the project is designed to supplant. The foregoing instruction is sent to you in anticipation that the answer to the Note Verbale jDresented by you will be favourable ; but you will not act on that instruction until you receive further instructions, which will be given after you have communicated to me the answer to the Note Verbale. No. .,. Mr. k'/iiino to lUuiui Kotiiura. Petersbiirof, Auj^ust 5tli, 1903. Received, " 6th, " (Telegram.) COUNT Lainsdorfl says he is authorized by the Kni- peror to open ncy;otiatioiis with me on tlie subject of the Note Wrbale. No. 5. Huron k'omura to Mr. Kuriuo. Tokio, August 6t]i, 1903. (Telegram, i IN reference to your telegrams dated the 31st ultimo and 5th instant, you will state to Count Lainsdorff that the Imperial Government fully appreciate the friendly spirit with which the Russian (io\ernment received the proposal of the Japanese (lOvernment to enter upon negotiations with regard to an understanding between the two coun- tries, and then present at once the project to the Russian (Government in accordance with instructions contained in my telegram of the 3d instant. No. 6. Mr. Kiirino to Baron Komura. Petersburg, August 12th, 1903. Received, " 14th, " (Telegram.) COUNT Lamsdorff, being now very much occupied, could not receive me until to-day, when I handed to His Excellency the proposed project in English in accordance with your instructions. I added that the longer the con- clusion of an accord is postponed the more difficult will it become, as the condition of affairs in the Far East is now getting more and more complicated. I asked him to hasten the matter as much as possible. He said he would ex- amine the project with care. No. 7. Mr. I\nrino to Baron Koiimra. Petersburg, August 24th, 1903. Received, " 25th, " (Telegram.) COUNT Lamsdorff received me yesterday by special arrangement, and I asked his views, as well as the attitude of the Russian Government regarding our proposals, add- ing that the Japanese Government are now impatiently — 12 — waiting for a reply. He said that he had studied the pro- ject serionsl\', but that the ICniperor having been absent over a week on acconnt of the nian(L'ii\-res, he liad ])een unable to take any steps in the matter; but he asked my opinion about transferring the negotiations to Tokio, as there were ukuu' details whieh would have to be referred to Admiral Alexieff. I said to him that the Japanese Ciov- ernment having confided the matter to me, I should prefer to proceed with it, but that I was willing to communicate his opinion to you. He stated that he has already sent copy of our project to Port Arthur with the view of obtaining the opinion of Admiral Alexieff. After such conversation, he said the (piestion of Japanese railway enterprise in Manchuria would be difficult, l)ut upon all other points perhaps the Russian (iovernment would be able to come to an understanding. I said that in order to arrive at a satisfactory understand- ing, mutual concessions as well as a si)irit of conciliation are necessary and that the Japanese (Government would be prepared to give favouralde consideration if any sugges- tions should be made bv Count Lamsdorff. No. 8. Bnron Komiira to Afr. Kitriiw. Tokio, August 26th, 1903. (Telegram.) IX reference to your telegram of the 24th instant, you will say to Count Uamsdorff that the Japanese C.ovt-rnment 13 would prefer to continue negotiations in St. Petersburg, believino- that by so doing, the work wnll be greatly facili- tated. You can add that there are no details to be con- sidered in connection with pending negotiations, which require local knowledge, and that the Japanese (rovern- ment, having placed the negotiation in your hand, would dislike to make any change. You will say to Count Lamsdorff that the Japanese Government are anxiously awaiting a definite reply from his Government to their proposals, and you will continue to use every endeavour to obtain from him such a reply as soon as possible. No. 9. J/r. Kurino to Baron K'oiniira. Petersburg, August 27th, 1903. Received, '' 28th, " (Telegram.) I saw Count Lamsdorff to-day on the subject of your telegram dated the 26th instant. He said he had audi- ence of the Emperor last Tuesday, and was told that His Majesty desires very much the early conclusion of an c?i- tenle satisfactory for both countries, and expressed his wish to conduct the negotiations at Tokio so as to expe- dite the matter. Then Count Ivamsdorff added that the Kmperor is to leave here for the country next ]\Iondav, and then for foreign countries for some time, and at the — 14 - same time the Ministers concerned \s()uld be absent from St. Petersburo. Consequently, neo;otiations in Tokio would be much the easier and quicker way of concluding the matter. I said, referring to my conversation with Count Lanisdorff of the 23rd instant, that the proposed undeistanding involved mostly questions of principles and politics rather than details, and consequently that the continuation of negotiations at St. Petersburg would be proper and at the same time the quickest way to arrive at a .satisfactory understanding. He repeated what he had just said and insisted upon his proposition. Under the circumstances, I think it hardly po.ssible to change the course now proposed by Count Lamsdorff under authority of the P^mperor. I also think that negotiations at Tokio would entail many disadvantageous consequences; and definite instruction for the further course is awaited. No. 10. Baron Komiira lo Mr. Kiiiiuo. Tokio, August 29th, 1903. (Telegram.) IN reference to your telegram of the 27th instant, you will say to Count Lamsdorff that the Japanese (Government still think that negotiation will be facilitated if continued in St. Petersburg since the negotiations relate to principles and not details; and vou will add that he and vou havino- 15 been dulv authori/;e(l desire of both Powers to arrive at an nn(lerstandin<^ as soon as j)()ssil)le, the jaj^anese (iovernnient fear tliat dis- ciissions would be greatly i)rotracted if the negotiations were now to be transferred to Tokio without some accepted basis for negotiations ; and yon will add that the Ja])anese Government, having presented their proposals in concrete form to the Russian Government, believe that negotia- tions, wherever conducted, wouki be greatly facilitated if the Russian (Tovernment were primarily to announce whether such proposals can in principle be accepted as the basis for negotiations. The Jajjanese (Government do not understand that the acceptance of those proposals as such basis would exclude amendments that uiigiit be regarded as necessarv. On the contrary, such acceptance would merely fix a definite point of departure which is desirable in all negotiations and very important in the present case. You will use every endeavour to secure the desired an- nouncement from the Russian Governuient. Xo. 13. Mj-. Kiiriito to Baron Koiinii a. St. Petersburg, September 5th, i(/)3. Received, " 6th, " (Telegram.) I .saw CcMint Lamsdorff yesterday. With the view of ])re\-enting an\- misundfrstanding about the sense of tiie — 19 — instruction contained in your telegram of the 2nd instant, and also with the view of impressing upon the Russian Government the feeling of importance placed by the Japanese (iovernment on the matter, I prepared a Note Verbale which I handed to him. We then had a rather prolonged discussion on the question. The substance of his remarks is as follows : — According to his experience of 40 years in the Foreign Office, negotiations of an international character had always been conducted on the proposals of one Power together with the reply of the other, and it was not usual to accept the proposition of one Power as the sole basis of negotiations. Raron Rosen had already been commanded by the Emperor to study seriously the proposition of the Japanese (iovernment, and at the same time to prepare and elaborate Counter-Proposals in consultation with Admiral Alexieff, and, if the Japanese Government were willing to enter into negotiation, to commence immediately X\\e poitr- parlers adopting the propositions of the Japanese Govern- ment and the Russian Counter-Proposals as the basis of negotiations. I said during the discussion that if the Russian Government were really animated by a desire to enter into a satisfactory arrangement with Japan, I should deem it highly necessary that the Ru.ssian Government should instruct their negotiators to adopt as the basis the Japanese proposals, or at least the essential principles thereof, so as to facilitate the attainment of the object of the negotiation, for I am inclined to doubt if Admiral Alexieff is disposed to enter into negotiations with Japan in a s])irit of concilialion, wliicli is (A ])riine necessity in order to arrive at a satisfactory understandinj^. He said that when he received onr project there were only two conrses open for Rnssia to take, eitlier to reject onr pro- posals or to enter into nei>otiations on them. The Kns- sian (Tovernment have adopted the latter conrse ; this does not, however, signify acceptance of our project in its en- tirety or in principle ; bnt having agreed to the proposition to enter into an entente^ they have decided to examine the propositions and to prepare Counter-Proposals so that the two might be used as the basis of negotiations. Besides he said that in our project there are certain clauses which could not be reconciled with Russian interests, and others which ref|uire modifications ; and he could not say that the Russian (jovernment accepted our proposals even in principle as basis, but only in conjunction with their Counter-Proposals. Having exhausted every effort for the attainment of the desire of the Japanese (government, I am now fully con- vinced that it will not be possible to change the course proposed by Count Lamsdorff ; and I think that there is no other way for Japan but to agree to his suggestion. Count Lamsdorff is to leave here on the loth instant for Darmstadt to attend the P'mperor of Russia. No. 14. Baron Kornura to Mr. Kurino. Tokio, September 9th, 1903. ^Telegram.) IN reference to your telegram of the 5tli instant, you are hereby instructed to inform Count Lamsdorff that the Japanese Government consent to transfer negotiations to Tokio, and you will add that the Japanese Government trust that instructions to the Russian Minister at Tokio are of such a character as to enable him to present the Russian Counter-Proposals without delay and to proceed immediatelv with the nejrotiations. No. 15. Mr. Kuri)in io Baro)i Kounira. Petersburg, September 9th, 1903. Received, " 10th, " (Telegram.) I saw Count Lamsdorff to-day. He said Baron Rosen and iVdmiral Alexieff have already been instructed by telegraph, by order of the Emperor, to prepare the Counter-Proposals as quickly as possible, and to commence negotiations at the earliest .date, and he does not think it necessary to repeat the same instruction. No. 1 6. Baron Koniura to Mr. Kuriiio. Tokio, vSe])tcniber 24th, 1903. (Telegram. ) BAR()N Rosen left Tokio on the 22ik1 instant for Port Arthnr. Previonsly to his departnre, he called on me and told me that he had been instructed under Imperial order some time ago to hold himself ready to start at once for Port Arthur, whenever necessity might arise to do so, in order to expedite the preparation of the Russian Counter- Proposals between Admiral Alexieff and himself, and that he had just received from the Admiral a request to repair to Port Arthur for personal consultation on the subject. He added that he expected to come back within about eleven davs. No. 17. Baron Komiira to Mr. Kiiriiio. Tokio, October 5th, 1903. (Telegram.) BARON Rosen came back to Tokio on the 3rd instant. He called on me on the same day and handed to me the following as the Russian Counter-Proposals, which, he said, was sanctioned by the Emperor of Russia, upon joint presentation by Admiral Alexieff and himself: — 1. Mutual eng-ao^enient to respect the independence and territorial integrity of the Corean Empire. 2. Recognition by Russia of Japan's preponderating interests in Corea and of the right of Japan to give advice and assistance to Corea tending to improve the civil administration of the Empire without infringing the stipulations of Article I. 3. Engagement on the part of Russia not to impede the commercial and industrial undertakings of Japan in Corea, nor to oppose any measures taken for the purpose of protecting them so long as such measures do not infringe the stipulations of Article I. 4. Recognition of the right of Japan to send for the same purpose troops to Corea, with the knowledge of Russia, but their number not to exceed that actually required, and with the engagement on the part of Japan to recall such troops as soon as their mission is accomplished. 5. Mutual engagement not to use any part of the territory of Corea for strategical purposes nor to under- take on the coasts of Corea any military works capa- ble of menacing the freedom of navigation in the Straits of Corea. 6. Mutual engagement to consider that part of the territory of Corea lying to the north of the 39th par- allel as a neutral zone into which neither of the Con- tracting Parties shall introduce troops. 7. Recognition by Japan of Manchuria and its lit- toral as in all respects outside her sphere of interest. 24 8. This agreement to supplant all ])revious Aj^ree- nients between Russia and Japan resj)ectino; Corea. No. 1 8. Baron Koniura to Mr. Kuriuo. Tokio, October 8th, 1903. (Telegram.) IN reference to my telegram of the 5th instant, I have begun discussion with the Russian Minister to Japan tak- ing our proposals and the Russian Counter-Proposals as the basis and with a view to .secure, if possible, the recog- nition by Russia of the fundamental principles laid down in our proposals. No. 19. Baron Koniura to Mr. Kiirino. Tokio. October 161I1, 1903. (Telegram.) IN reference to my telegram of the Sth instant, negotia- tions are now going on between Baron Rosen and myself regarding the following proposals, which I had presented as amendment to the Russian Counter-Proposals : — Article II. Insertthephra.se "including military a.ssist- — 25 — ance " between "assistance" and "to Corea." Chano^e the word " civil " into " internal." Article III. Insert the phrase " the development of " be- tween "impede" and "the commercial." " Undertak- ings " to be changed into " activities," and "taken" into "to be taken " and "them " into "those interests." Article IV. Recognition of the right of Japan to send troops to Corea for the purpose mentioned in the preceding Article or for the purpose of suppressing insurrection or disorder calculated to create international complications. Article VI. Mutual engagement to establish a neutral zone on the Corea-AIanchuria frontier extending kilometres on each side, into which neutral zone neither of the Contracting Parties shall introduce troops without the consent of the other. Article VII. To be struck out and replaced by the fol- lowing three Articles : — \'II. Engagement on the part of Russia to respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity in Man- churia, and not to interfere with Japan's commercial freedom in ]\Ianchuria. VIII. Recognition by Japan of Russia's special in- terests in Manchuria and of the right of Russia to take such measures as may be necessary for the protection of those interests so long as such measures do not in- fringe the stipulations of the preceding Article. IX. ^lutual engagement not to impede the connec- tion of the Corean railway and the East China railway — 26 — when those railways shall have been eventually ex- tended to the Yalu. Article VIII of the Russian Counter-Proposals to be numbered Article X. No. 20. Baron Komura lo Mr. Knriiio. Tokio, October 22nd, 1903. (Telegram.) THE result of discussions between liaron Rosen and myself on our amendments to the Russian Counter-Pro- posals is as follows : — Amendments to Articles II and VI accepted ad rcfer- etidiim., Article III accepted, and Article IV reserved for further discussion. It is in Article VII of our amendment to Article VII of the Russian Counter-Proposals that no agreement could be reached, each insisting on the impossi- bility of accepting the other's proposition. The conten- tion of the Russian Minister is : — ist, that the Russian Article VII is the only compensation to Russia for the concessions to be made 'by her in respect of Corea ; and 2nd, that admission of the Japanese amendments on this point would be contrar\- to the principle alwa}\s insisted on by Russia that the question concerning Manchuria is one exclusively for Russia and China, admitting of no interference on the part of any third Power. Our contention is : — ist, that Japan does not ask for any concession from Russia with respect to Manchuria, her proposal being simply to have confirmed in the Agreement the principle which has been voluntarily and repeatedly declared by Russia ; and 2nd, that Japan possesses in Manchuria her treaty rights and commercial interests, and she must obtain from Russia a guarantee for the security of those rights and interests as well as of the independence of Corea which would be constantly menaced by Russia's definitive occupation of Manchuria. No. 21. Baron Koninra to Mr. Kitrino. Tokio, October 29th, 1903. (Telegram.) IN reference to my telegram of the 22nd instant, as the result of further discussions, the amendment on Article IV was finally accepted ad referendum. Regarding Article VI, my proposal of fixing the extent of the neutral zone at 50 kilometres on each side of the frontier was accepted ad referendum. As to Article \^II, no agreement could yet be reached. — 28 — No. 22. Ihtroii Konnoa /o Mr. Kiiriiin. Tokio, October 30th, 1903. (Telegram.) I presented to Raron Rosen on the 30tli instant the fol- lowing as definite amendments of the Imperial Oov^ern- ment to the Russian Counter-Proposals : — 1. ^Mutual engagement to respect the independence and territorial integrity of the Chinese and Corean P^mpires. 2. Recognition by Russia of Japan's preponderating interests in Corea and of the right of Japan to give to Corea advice and assistance, including military assist- ance, tending to improve the administration of the Corean Empire. 3. Engagement on the part of Russia not to impede the development of the commercial and industrial activities of Japan in Corea, nor to oppose any measures taken for the purpose of protecting those interests. 4. Recognition by Russia of the right of Japan to send troops to Corea for the purpose mentioned in the preceding Article or for the purpose of suppressing insurrection or disorder calculated to create inter- national complications. 5. Engagement on the part of Japan not to under- take on the coasts of Corea any military works capable 29 of menacino- the freedom of navigation in the Straits of Corea. 6. ^Intnal engaoenient to establish a nentral zone on the Corea-AIanchnrian frontier extending 50 kilometres on each side, into which nentral zone neither of the Contracting Parties shall introdnce troops without the consent of the other. 7. Recognition by Japan that Manchuria is outside her sphere of special interest, and recognition by Russia that Corea is outside her sphere of special interest. 8. Recognition by Japan of Russia's special inter- ests in r^Ianchnria and of the right of Russia to take such measures as may be necessary for the protection of those interests. 9. Engagement on the part of Japan not to inter- fere with the commercial and residential rights and immunities belonging to Russia in virtue of her treaty engagements with Corea, and engagement on the part of Russia not to interfere with the commer- cial and residential rights and immunities belonging to Japan in virtue of her treaty engagements with China. 10. Mutual engagement not to impede the connec- tion of the Corean railway and the Kast-China railway when those railways shall ha\c been eventually ex- tended to the Yalu. 11. This Agreement to supplant all previous Agree- ments between Japan and Russia respecting Corea. 3" No. 23. Baron Koiiiura to Mr. l\uri>io. Tokio, Xovember ist, 1903. (Telegram.) BARON Rosen called on nie October 31st and stated that the definite proposals which I presented to him as amendments to the Russian proposals as reported in my telegram of the 30th October were beyond his instructions, and that he would, November ist, telegraph the full text of the said proposals to his Government and ask for further instructions. Accordingly you are instructed to see as soon as possible the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs in the absence of Count LamsdorfT, and say to him that in pre- paring the proposals in question, the Japanese Government did not fail to take into full consideration the wishes of the Russian Government. You will inform him that in pro- posing a joint engagement to respect the independence and territorial integrity of China equally with Corea, the Japan- ese Government were merely asking a reafifirmation of dec- larations already spontaneously made by Russia, and when it is considered that Russia is prepared to make such an engagement respecting Corea, the reason for excluding China is not understood. The Japanese (Tovernment are prepared to admit that the Manchurian question, so far as it does not affect their rights and interests, is purely a Russo-Chinese question ; but Japan has extensive and im- portant rights and interest,'^? in that region, and the jaj)an- — 3^ ese (Tovernnient think that in declaring; that ^[anchnria is outside their sphere of special interest, they are at least entitled to ask for a correlative engae^ement on the part of Russia not to interfere with the commercial and residential rights and immunities belonging to Japan in virtue of her treaty engagements with China. You will in addition point out that the invitation of the Japanese Government, which originated the present negotiations, had in view a definition of the special interest of Japan and Russia in those regions of the F'ar East where the interests of the two Powers meet. The Japanese Government could not have anticipated that the Russian Government, in accepting that in\itation, would wish — as might be inferred from Article \'II of their Counter-Proposals, — to restrict the proposed definition exclusively to the region in which Japan pos- sesses special interests. No. 24. J//'. Kurino to Ihiroii Ko7)utra. Petersburg, November 3rd, 1903. Received, " '' " (Telegram.) I saw the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs on the 2nd November. He said, as his personal opinion, that Japan is making the .same demands only in different form and that those demands arc loo great. I asked in what respects — 32 — tlic Jai)ancse (Government are considered to l)e demandinj^ too niuch,'and I added that we do not ask anything more than the recognition of existing treaty rights and immnni- tics of Japan in Alancliuria. He tlien stated that l>aron Rosen liad said notliing on the snbject. Tlie only diffi- culty, he said, is the connection of the Corean and Man- chnrian railways. To my question whether there are no other difficulties, he answered that the railway question is the only difficulty, although it had been accepted ad refrr- endnui ; and in conclusion I asked him to use his best in- fluence for the satisfactory solution of the question, as the Japanese Government are fulh- animated by the spirit of conciliation, and I urged him to advise Count Lamsdorff in the same sense, and if possible to approach the Emperor of Russia on the question. He said that he is willing to do so, and added that Count I^amsdorff will return at the end of this week. No. 25. Mr. Kiirino to Baron Konnira. Petersburg, November 13th, 1903. Received, " " " (Telegram.) I saw Count Lamsdorff November 12th, and asked whether he had received a copy of the telegram which I had handed to Prince Obolensky and whether any action 33 liad been taken in the matter. He answered that he liad snbniitted the telegrani to the Emperor, and that before his departure from Darmstadt, he sent under an Imperial order instructions to Baron Rosen to continue necrotiations witli the Japanese Government. I asked him whether it is on the basis of our last proposal that Baron Rosen was in- structed to go on negotiating. Count Lamsdorff said that Baron Rosen had been ordered by the Emperor to examine our last proposal with Admiral Alexieff and to make modi- fication if necessary, and added that at this moment Baron Rosen and Admiral Alexieff must be engaged in the prep- aration of Counter-Proposals. I remarked to Count Lams- dorf^ that according to the view of Prince Obolensky, the connection of Corean and Manchurian railways is the ques- tion that divides the two Governments ; but the Japanese Government having subsequently modified the article re- lating to the question, I cannot believe that it is the prin- cipal point on which an agreement can not be established. Count Lamsdorff replied that he thinks for his part that it is the Manchurian question which divides the two parties, as he had said from the very beginning the Russian Gov- ernment consider always that this question is a question exclusively betw'een Russia and China, and it must be re- served to his Government to take all proper measures to safeguard their very considerable interests in Manchuria by means of an arrangement wath China. I explained to him that Japan is ever ready to recognize the special and considerable interests w'hich Russia has in Manchuria, and that she has no intention whatever of trespassing upon — 34 — liiem, iMit that Japan has a perfect rij>-ht to demand that the independence and territorial inteority of Cliina shall be respected and the rights and the interests of Japan in that region shall be formally guaranteed. Count Lams- dorff answered that the objection relates to the form rather than the substance of the proposal. In Manchuria other Powers also have rights and interests, and Russia cannot enter into special arrangement with each of those Powers regarding Manchuria. I observed that should the Russian Government be in accord with Japan in principle, it is deeply to be regretted that an understanding cannot be reached, merely because of failure to find a suitable for- mula by which to bring the two Governments to an arrangement, and that I could not but ardently ask him to use his influence to bring about a satisfactory solution according to the principles already admitted by Russia. No. 26. Baron Koniiira lo Mr. l\iiri>io. Tokio, Noxember 21st. 1903. (Telegram.) HARON Rosen informed me November 2()th, that he received a telegram November 14th from Admiral Alexieff to the effect that Admiral Alexieflf had already forwarded the Counter-Proposals to St. Petersburg. Baron Rosen added that he had not yet received any instructions on the — 35-- subject of the Counter-Proposals. Consequently you are instructed to see Count Lamsdorff as soon as possible, and after explaining to him Baron Rosen's statements as above, you will say that the Japanese Government are anxious to proceed with the negotiations with all possible expedition ; and yon will urge him to exert his influence to secure the early dispatch of instructions to Baron Rosen in order that the negotiations may be resumed and concluded without delav. No. 27. Mr. Kurino to Baron Komiira. Petersburg, November 22nd, 1903, Received, " 23rd, " (Telegram.) I saw Count Lamsdorff on the 22nd November. He said that the modifications are already in the hands of the P^m- peror ; but on account of the illness of the Empress, the former does not attend to any business affairs ; hence the delay. I asked him to use his best endeavours to obtain the earliest possible Imperial order on the question. He said in reply that it will be better for me to write him a note giving the purport of instructions I have received from you ; then he will immediately send it to the P^ni- peror. At the end of the conversation I asked whether it is not possible for me to get some information about the 36 modifications proposed by Admiral AlexiclT. He seemed rather puzzled to give a direct answer; bnl he said that the Russian Government are ready to enter into immediate agreement with Japan regarding Corea, even making large concessions, but as to Manchuria, Russia once took posses- sion of the country by right of conquest ; nevertheless, she is willing to restore it to China, but with certain guaran- tees assuring security to the enormous interests which Russia has in Manchuria. While China is still insisting upon her refusal to give such guarantees, it is not possible for Russia to come to any arrangement with a third Power respecting Manchuria, as the question is exclusively between the two countries concerned. Then I said that if I accurately judge the nature of our proposition, it is not the intention of the Japanese Government to interfere with direct negotiations between the two Governments con- cerned, as may be seen from the first part of Article VII of our last proposition ; but we only wish the independ- ence and integrity of China, as repeatedly declared on the part of Russia, and security for our important interests in that province. This is not for the purpose of interfering with the affairs of the two Powers concerned, but only to prevent misunderstanding between Russia and Japan regarding the province where both powers have some interest ; and I added that if in principle such an entente could in some form or other be arrived at perhaps even negotiations between Russia and China might be more easily carried out. He thereupon repeated his request for me to write him a note as above mentioned, and that I 2>1 should add my own opinion in it, and that he would immediately send it to the Emperor. He told me that he expects to have audience on the 25th November at Sker- nevice and that the note could be sent to him towards this evening. I judge from the tone of Count Lamsdorff's conversation that the modifications proposed by Admiral Alexieff will not be favourable to our proposition regarding China and Manchuria. No. 28. Baron Komura to Mr. Kiiritio. Tokio, November 28th, 1903. (Telegram.) VOU report in your telegram of November 22nd that Count Lamsdorff expected to have audience of the Emperor on the 25th instant. Accordingly you are instructed to see Count Lamsdorff as soon as possible and ask him what action has been taken regarding further instructions to Baron Rosen. No. 29. Mr. Kuriiw to Baron Komura. Petersburg, November 27th, 1903. Received, " 28th, " (Telegram.) COUNT Lamsdorff told me he did not see the Emperor November 25th, on account of the sickness of the Empress. - 3« - .Interior inflaimnation of lier ri^ht car has necessitated an operation. He said that lie immediately despatched to the Kmperor my note mentioned in m\- tele<^ram of Novem- ber 22nd. No. 3(j. Barnji Koiinira lo Mr. Kurino. Tokio, December ist, 1903. (Telegram.) THE Japanese Government have from the first attached the highest importance to a speedy solution of the questions which form at this time the subject of negotiations between Japan and Russia. It seemed to them that in a matter of .such vital moment as that which engages the attention of the Cabinets of Tokio and St. Petersburg, a quick con- clusion was only second in importance to a satisfactory conclusion. Consistently with that view the Japanese Government have at all times during the progress of the negotiations made it a special point to give prompt answers to all propositions of the Russian Government. The negotiations have now been pending for no less than four months, and they have not yet reached a stage where the final issue can with certainty be predicted. In these circumstances the Japanese (Tovernment cannot but regard with grave concern the situation for which the delays in negotiations are largely responsible. You are instructed to see Count Lamsdorff as soon as possible and place the — 39 — foregoing considerations before him in such form and manner as to make your representations as impressive as possible. Yon will add that the Japanese Government believe they are rendering service to the general interest in thus frankh- explaining to the Russian (rovernment the actual state of things. No. 31. Mr. Kiiriiio to Baron Kouiura. Petersburg, December 2nd, 1903. Received, " 3rd, <"' (Telegram.) I heard that the Russian (yovernment are still repeatedl\- communicatino- with Admiral Alexieff. No. 32. Mr. Kiirino to Baron Koniura. Petersburg, December 4th. 1903. Received, " " " (Telegram.) COUN'f Lamsdorff received me on the night of Decem- ber 3rd. I handed him a French translation of your telegram of December ist together with a letter which I addressed to him expressing fully the pressing situation — 40 — under which the Japanese (io\'crnnient are now laboring;. He said that the (inestion recjuires consideration still, and he is in conmuinication with Admiral Alexieff ; but the Emperor is to return I)ecenil)er 5th, and he said that he will full\- explain the uroenc>' of the matter on the occasion of his audience on the following- Tuesda\-. He thinks he will then be able to send instructions to Baron Rosen. To my question whether it is not possible for him to have audience at an earlier date, he .said that Saturday is the fete of Crown Prince, no business is transacted on Sunday, and he will be occupied with other afifairs on Monday. He promised to let me know the result of his audience next Wednesday. No. ^s. Mr. Kuritifl to Baron Ko))iiira. Petersburg, December 9th, 1903. Received, '' loth, " (Telegram.) COUNT Lamsdorff told me December cjth that an Imperial order had been sent yesterday to Admiral Alexieff and Raron Rosen to continue the negotiations in accord- ance with the Counter-Proposals of Admiral Alexiefl, but that the Japanese propositions have been fully considered. I asked whether he could inform me of the nature of the propositions on which Baron Rosen is authorized to con- -41 — tinue the negotiations. He sa^id that the\' will be officially communicated within two or three days through Baron Rosen to the Japanese Government. No. 34. Baron Koniura to Mr. Kurino. Tokio, December 12th, 1903. (Telegram.) BARON Rosen called on me December nth and, under instructions of his Government, officially presented to me the following Counter-Proposals of the Russian (yovern- nient in reply to our definitive amendments as stated in my telegram of October 30th : — 1. Mutual engagement to respect the independence and territorial integrity of the Corean Empire. 2. Recognition by Russia of Japan's preponderating interests in Corea and of the right of Japan to assist Corea with advice tending to improve the civil administration. 3. Engagement on the part of Russia not to oppose the development of the industrial and commercial activities of Japan in Corea, nor the adoption of meas- ures for the protection of those interests. 4. Recognition by Russia of the right of Japan to send troops to Corea for the purpose mentioned in the preceding article, or for the purpose of suppressing — 42 — insuneclions or disorders capable of creating; iiiler- nalional complications. 5. Mutual engagcuienl not to make use of any part of the C'orean territory for strategical purposes, and not to undertake on the Corean coast any militar\ works capable of menacing the freedom of navigation in the Straits of Corea. 6. Mutual engagement to consider the territory of Corea to the north of the 39th parallel as a neutral zone, within the limits of which neither of the Contracting Parties shall introduce troops. 7. Mutual engagement not to impede the connection of the Corean and East China Railways, when those railways shall have been extended to the Yalu. 8. Abrogation of all previous agreements between Russia and Japan respecting Corea. No. 35. Baron Konnira to Mr. Kuritio. Tokio, December 21st, 1903. (Telegram. ) IN an interview with the Russian IMinister, December 2ist, I pointed out the fundamental difference in territorial compass between Japan\s original propo.sals and Russia's new Counter-Proposals, and after fully explaining the reasons which induced the Japanese Government to believe — 43 — it to he desirable in the general interest to include in the proposed understanding all regions in the Extreme Hast where the interests of the two Empires meet, I expressed the hope that the Russian CiO\'ernnient would reconsider their position regarding that branch of the question. I also informed him fully respecting the amendments which Japanese Government consider it necessary to introduce into Russia's new Counter-Proposals. Accordingly, in order to remove every possibility of misunderstanding on the part of Russia respecting the attitude of the Japanese Oovernment, you are instructed to deliver to Count Lamsdorff a Note \^erbale to the following effect : — "The Imperial Government have examined with great care and attention the new Russian Counter- Proposals of the I ith instant. They regret to find that the Imperial Russian (Tovernment did not see their way in those proposals to give to the compass of the suggested understanding the same territorial extension as was deemed essential by Japan. The Imperial Government, in their original invitation to the Imperial Russian Government in August last, en- deavoured to make it entirely clear that they desired, with a view to remove from their relations with the Imperial Russian Government every cause for future misunderstanding, to bring within the purview of the proposed arrangement all those regions in the Extreme East where the interests of the two Empires meet, and they cannot Ijring themselves to the conviction that a full realization of that desire can be expected if a large — 44 — and important portion of those regions is wholly excluded from consideration. Accordingly, tlie Imper- ial (rovernment feel constrained to ask the Imperial Russian (io\-ernment to reconsider their position on •the subject, and they hope that the Russian (lOvern- ment will be able to see their way to arrive at a satis- factor\- solution of the question. The Imperial Government also find it necessary to ask for the following- amendments to the new Russian Counter- Proposals : — " <7. Article II to read : 'Recognition b\- Russia of Japan's preponderating interests in Corea and of the right of Japan to give Corea advice and assist- ance tending to improve the administration of the Corean Empire.' " b. Article V to read : ' Mutual engagement not to undertake on the Corean coast any military works capable of menacing the freedom of naviga- tion in the Straits of Corea ; ' and " c. Article YI to be suppressed. "As the principal part of these amendments cannot be said to be in excess of the modifications which were agreed to ad referetidiini at Tokio, and as the Imperial Government consider those changes indi.s- pensable, it is hoped that the)' will receive the ready agreement of the Imperial Russian Government." In presenting the foregoing note to Count Lamsdorff, you will say that I have spoken to Baron Ro.>en in a similar sense, and }ou will also express the desire for an early response. 45 No. 36. Mr. Kiirino to Baron Komura. Petersburg, December 23rd, 1903. Received, " 24th, " (Telegram.) UPON receipt of your telegraphic iustructious, I saw Count Lamsdorff December 23rd at 2 p. m. He told me he had received a telegram from Baron Rosen, stating that the latter had had an interview with you, and that particulars would follow, but such particulars had not been received yet by him. When I handed him the Note Verbale, he said that he would study it together with report from Baron Rosen, and that he would do his best to send the Russian answer at the earliest possible date ; but he added that he would have to communicate with Admiral Alexieff. In conclusion, I stated to him that under the present circumstances it might cause serious difficulties, even complications, if we failed to come to an entente., and I hoped he would exercise his best influence so as to enable us to reach the desired end. No. y^. Mr. Kuritio to Baro>i Komura. Petersburg, January ist, 1904. Received, " 2nd, " (Telegram.) I saw Count Lamsdorff January ist, and asked whether any action had been taken regarding our last propositions. • 4^^ — He said they had been fully considered ; and he asked me to assure you that Baron Rosen will soon be instructed to proceed with the negotiations in a friendly and concilia- tory spirit, and he added that he saw no reason why we could not arrixe at an oitoite. No. 38. Baron Koniura to Mr. Kiirmo. Tokio, January 7th, 1904. (Telegram.) BARON Rosen handed to me January 6th the follow^ing reply of the Russian Government to our last propositions of December 21st last : — " Having no objection to the amendments to Article II of the Russian Counter-Proposals as proposed by the Im- perial Japanese Government, the Imperial Government considers it necessary : " I. To maintain the original wording of Article \' which had already been agreed to by the Imperial Japanese Government, that is to say, 'mutual engage- ment not to use any part of the territor)- of Corea for strategical purposes, nor to undertake on the coasts of Corea an\- military w'orks capable of menacing the freedom of navigation in the Straits of Corea.' " 2. To maintain Article \\ concerning a neutral /one (this for the very purpose which the Imperial — 47 — Japanese Governinent has likewise in \-ie\v, that is to say, to eliminate everything- that might lead to mis- nnderstandings in the futnre ; a similar zone, for ex- ample, exists between the Russian and British possessions in central Asia). '' In case the above conditions are agreed to, the Im- perial Government would be prepared to include in the projected agreement an Article of the following tenor : " ' Recognition by Japan of Manchuria and her littoral as being outside her sphere of interests, whilst Russia, within the limits of that province, will not impede Japan, nor other Powers in the enjoyment of rights and privileges acquired by them under existing treaties with China, exclusive of the establishment of settlements." No. 39. naroii I\o))nira to Mr. Kitriiio. Tokio, Januar\- 13th, 1904. (Telegram.) YOU are instructed to deliver to Count LamsdorfT a Note Verbale to the following effect which, you will say, is intended to confirm to him the views of the Imperial (rovernment communicated l)y mc to Baron Rosen on the 13th January : — The Imperial Government, in order to arrive at a pacific solution of the pending questions, and to firmly establish -48- the basis of good relation between Japan and Russia, and in addition with a view to protect the ri<(hts and interests of Japan, have given most careful and serious considera- tion to the reply of the Imperial Russian (iovernment which was delivered by His Excellency Baron Rosen on the 6th instant. They have finally come to the conclusion that the following modifications are necessary, i. e. : — 1. Suppression of the first clause of Article V of the Russian Counter-Proposals (presented to the Japanese Government through Baron Rosen Decem- ber nth) that is to say, "not to use any part of Co- rean territory for strategical purposes." 2. Suppression of the whole Article (VI) concern- ing establishment of a neutral zone. 3. The Russian proposal concerning Manchuria to be agreed to with the following modifications : — a. Recognition by Japan of Manchuria and its littoral as being outside her sphere of interest and an engagement on the part of Russia to respect the territorial integrity of China in Manchuria. b. Russia within the limits of Manchuria will not impede Japan nor other Powers in the enjoy- ment of rights and privileges acquired b)- them under the existing treaties with China. c. Recognition by Russia of Corea and its littoral as being outside her sphere of interest ; 4. Addition of an Article to the following effect : — Recognition by Japan of Russia's special interests 49 in Manchuria and of the right of Russia to take measures necessary for the protection of those in- terests. The grounds for these amendments having been fre- quently and fully explained on previous occasions, the Imperial Government do not think it necessary to repeat the explanations. It is sufficient here to express their earnest hope for reconsideration by the Imperial Russian Government. It should be further remaiked that the suppression of the clause excluding the establishment of settlements in ]\Ianchuria is desired because it conflicts with stipulations of the new Commercial Treaty between Japan and China. In this respect, however, Japan will be satisfied if she re- ceives equal treatment with another Power which has already acquired similar rights in regard to settlements in Manchuria. The statement in the Russian reply that the Japanese Government have agreed to the original wording of Article V of the Russian Counter-Proposals is erroneous, no such agreement ever having been expres.sed by the Imperial Government. The above-mentioned amendments being proposed b>' the Imperial Government entirely in a spirit of concilia- tion, it is expected that they will be received with the same spirit at the hands of the Imperial Russian Govern- ment ; and the Imperial Government further hope for an early reply from the Imperial Russian Government, since further delay in the solution of the question will be ex- tremelv disadvantag-eous to the two countries. — 50 - No. 40. Baron Konnoa to Mr. I\uri>io. Tokio, January 23rd, 1904. (Telegram.) YOU are instructed to sound Count Lamsdorff respect- ing the probable nature of Russia's reply to our last note and when .the reply will be delivered. No. 41. Mr. Kurino to Baron Komura. Petersburg, January 25th, 1904. Received, " " " (Telegram.) IN reference to your telegram of 23rd instant, I saw Count Lamsdorff January 24th and asked his views in regard to our last proposals and also how soon the Russian answer could be given. He was not inclined to enter into details, but said that there are certain points to which he could not agree. He expects to lay his views before the Emperor next Tuesday, January 26th, and he hopes to be able to send an answer before long. M. de Hartwig, whom I saw this afternoon, told me that the Department of Foreign Affairs is yet in communica- tion with Admiral Alexieff, and lie cannot say how soon an answer can be sent to Japan. No. 42. Barou Komura to Mr. Kiiriiio. Tokio, January 26th, 1904. (Telegram.) AS the situation admits of no indefinite delay in the settlement of the questions involved, you will seek an inter- view with Count Lamsdorff at the earliest opportunity and state to him as an instruction from your Government that in the opinion of the Imperial Government a further prolong- ation of the present state of things being calculated to accentuate the gravity of the situation, it is their earnest hope that they will be honoured with an early reply, and that they wish to know at what time they may expect to receive the reply. No. 43. Mr. Kurino to Baro?i Komura. Petersburg, January 26th, 1904. Received, " 27th, " (Telegram.) IN reference to your telegram of the 26th instant, the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs said that the Ministers of War, Marine and other authorities concerned are to meet on the 28th January for the consideration of the question, and that their decision will be submitted to the .S2 iMiipei'or for sanction, and lie remarked that it had been the intention of Admiral Alexieff to come here ; but that that idea was now abandoned, and his opinion will soon be received by telegraph. Under these circumstances, lie sa\s, he is unable to give the exact date when the reply will be given ; but he can say it will not be much delayed. He said that he had received reports from official sources to the effect that Japan had sent a considerable number of troops, munitions and war materials to Corea, and asked me whether I could give any explanation regarding it. I simply answered that I knew nothing of such facts, and regretted not being able to give him any explanation. He added that such action on the part of Japan causes a very bad impression, while the two Governments are engaged seriously in such important negotiations. Telegraph me for my information whether the reports are true, and if so, the details. No. 44. Baron Komura to Mr. Ktirino. Tokio, January 28th, IQ04. (Telegram.) IN reference to your telegram of 26th instant, you will see Count Lamsdorff at an early opportunity and say to him that you have been authorized to deny positively the statement that Japan has sent to Corea a considerable — 53 — luiinber of troops, iminitions and war materials. As a matter of fact, no troops have recently been sent to Corea nor any ammunitions have been sent beyond the amount required for the ordinary use of the Japanese troops sta- tioned in Corea. You will then ask him whether the report that Russian troops are being concentrated on the Coreau frontier is true, and if so, that such military move- ment is to be highly deprecated. Finally, you will ask him whether he is not able to acquaint you, for your own information, with the nature of the decision taken at the proposed conference of the Ministers on the 28th January, and whether he can indicate the approximate date on which the Russian reply is to be given. No. 45. J//'. Kiiriiio to Baron KoDiura. Petersburg, January 28th, 1904. Received, " 29th, " (Telegram.) COUNT Lamsdorff is satisfied with the explanation contained in your telegram of to-day. As to the question regarding the concentration of Russian troops near the Yalu, he does not believe it to be true, and ht remarked that such newspaper reports are very regrettable. I tried to obtain information about the decision of to-day's meet- ing. He said that it is not possible for him to sa\- an\- — 54 — thino conccininQ- it as it will not l^e sent to the Emperor, and that nntil the respective Ministers have been received by the Kniperor respectinj^^ the question, nothing can be said definitely. He stated that the (rrand Duke Alexis and the Minister of Marine are to be received in audience next Monday, and the Minister of War and himself on Tuesda)- ; and he thinks an answer will be sent to Admiral Alexieff on the latter day. I pointed out the urgent necessity to accelerate the despatch of an answer as much as possible, because further prolongation of the present condition is not only undesirable but rather dan- gerous. I added that all the while the world is loud with rumours and that I hoped he would take special steps so as to have an answer sent at an earlier date than mentioned. He replied that he knows the existing con- dition of things very well, but that the dates of audience being fixed as above mentioned, it is not now possible to change them ; and he repeated that he will do his best to send the reply next Tuesday. No. 46. Baron Komura io Mr. Kuriuo. Tokio, January 30th, 1904. (Telegram.) IN reference to your telegram of January 28th, you are instructed to see Count Lamsdorff at the earliest oppor- tunity and state to him substantially in the following sense : — — 55 — " Having reported to your Government that the Russian Government would probably give a reply on next Tuesday you have been instructed to say to Count Lamsdorff that being fully convinced of the serious disadvantage to the two Powers concerned of the further prolongation of the present situation, the Imperial Government hoped that they might be able to receive the reply of the Russian Ciovern- ment earlier than the date mentioned by Count Lamsdorff. As it, however, appears that the receipt of the reply at an earlier date is not possible, the Imperial Government wish to know whether they will be honoured with the reply at the date mentioned by Count Lamsdorff, namely, next Tuesday, or if it is not possible, what will be the exact date on which the reply is to be given." If Count Lamsdorff specifies the day on which the reply is to be given, you will see him on that day and ask him to acquaint you with the exact nature of the reply. No. 47. Mr. Kurino to Baron Koniura. Petersburg, February ist, 1904. Received, " '• '' (Telegram.) REGARDING your telegram of the 30th January, I saw Count Lamsdorff in the evening January 31st. He says he appreciates fully the gravity of the present situa- - 56 - tion, and is certainly desirous to send an answer as quickly as possible; but the question is a very serious one and is not to be lightly dealt with. In addition, the opinions of the Ministers concerned and Admiral Alexieff had to be brought into harmony ; hence the natural delay. As to the date of sending an answer, he says, it is not possible for him to give the exact date as it entirely depends upon the decision of the Emperor, though he will not fail to use his efforts to hurrv the matter. No. 48. Bnro)} Konmra to Mj-. Kiirino. Tokio, February 5th, 1904. 2.15 v. m. (Telegram. ) FURTHER prolongation of the present situation being inadmissible, the Imperial Government have decided to terminate the pending negotiations and to take such inde- pendent action as they may deem necessary to defend their menaced position and to protect their rights and interests. Accordingly you are instructed to address to Count Lams- dorff, immediately upon receipt of this telegram, a signed note to the following effect : — " The undersigned. Envoy Extraordinary and Min- ister Plenipotentiary of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, has the honour, in pursuance of instructions from his (lOvernment, to address to His Excellenc\- the Minister for Foreign Affairs of His Alajesty the Emperor of all the Russias the following communi- cations : — "The (rovernment of His Majest\' the Kmperor of Japan regard the independence and territorial integrity of the Empire of Corea as essential to their own repose and safety, and they are consequently unable to view with indifference any action tending to ren- der the position of Corea insecure. "The successive rejections by the Imperial Russian Government by means of inadmissible amendments of Japan's proposals respecting Corea, the adoption of which the Imperial Government regarded as indis- pensable to assure the independence and territorial integrity of the Corean Empire and to safeguard Japan's preponderating interests in the Peninsula, coupled with the successive refusals of the Imperial Russian Government to enter into engagements to respect China's territorial integrity in Manchuria which is seriously menaced by their continued occu- pation of the province, notwithstanding their treaty engagements with China and their repeated assurances to other powers possessing interests in those regions, have made it necessary for tlie Imperial Government seriously to consider what measures of self-defence they are called upon to take. " In the presence of delays which remain largely unexplained and naval and military activities which it is difficult to reconcile with entirely pacific aims, 58 the Imperial (jovernment have exercised in the de- pending negotiations a degree of forbearance which the>' believe affords abundant proof of their loyal desire to remove from their relations with the Im- perial Russian Government every cause for future misunderstand ing. But finding in their efforts no prospect of securing from the Imperial Russian Gov- ernment an adhesion either to Japan's moderate and unselfish proposals or to any other proposals likely to establish a firm and enduring peace in the Extreme East, the Imperial Government have no other alter- native than to terminate the present futile negotia- tions. " In adopting that course the Imperial (jOvernment reserve to themselves the right to take such inde- pendent action as they may deem best to consolidate and defend their menaced position, as well as to pro- tect their established rights and legitimate interests. " The Undersigned, etc., etc." No. 49. Banni Komura to Mr. Ktirino. Tokio, February 5th, 1904. 2.15 v. m. (Telegram.) YOU are instructed to address to Count Lamsdorff a signed note to the following effect simultaneously with the note mentioned in my previous telegram : — — 59 — " The Undersigned, Envoy Extraordinary and Min- ister Plenipotentiary of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, has the honour, in pursuance of instructions from his Government, to acquaint His Excellency the Minister for P'oreign Affairs of His Majesty the Em- peror of all the Russias that the Imperial Government of Japan, having exhausted without effect every means of conciliation with a view to the removal from their relations with the Imperial Russian Government of every cause |or future complications, and finding that their just representations and moderate and unselfish proposals in the interest of a firm and lasting peace in the Extreme East are not receiving the consideration which is their due, have resolved to sever their diplo- matic relations with the Imperial Russian Government which for the reason named have ceased to possess any value. " In further fulfilment of the command of his Gov- ernment, the Undersigned has also the honour to announce to His Excellency Count Lamsdorff that it is his intention to take his departure from vSt. Peters- burg with the staff of the Imperial Legation on date. " The Undersigned, etc., etc." — 6o — No. 50. Afr. Kiiriiio to Baron Koniiira. Petersburo;, February 5th, 1904. 5. 5 a. m. Received, " " " 5.15 p. m. (Telegram.) IN compliance with the request of Count Lamsdorff, I went to see him at 8 p. m. February 4th. He told me that the substance of the Russian answer had been just sent to Admiral Alexieff to be transmitted to Baron Rosen. He added that Admiral Alexieff may happen to introduce some changes so as to meet local circumstances ; but in all proba- bility there will be no such changes. He then stated as his own opinion that Russia desires the principle of inde- pendence and integrity of Corea and also, of necessity, the free passage of the Corean vStraits. Though Russia is willing to make every possible concession, she does not desire to see Corea utilized for strategic purposes against Russia, and believes it useful for the consolidation of good relations with Japan to establish by common accord a l)uffer region between confines of direct influence and action of the two countries in the Far Kast. The above is expressed entirely as his personal opinion, and I cannot say whether the same is the substance of the above- mentioned answer, though it seems to be very ])robable. 6i No. 51. Mr. k'lin'no to Baron Komura. Petersburg, February 6th, 1904. 5.57 p. m. Received " 7th, " 5.45 A. m. (Telegram.) IN reference to your two telegrams of yesterday's date, I presented to Count Lamsdorff to-day at 4 p. m. the notes as instructed. I shall withdraw from here with my staff and students on the loth instant. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED DOCUMENTS DEPT. This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subjea to immediate recall. JAN 9 1S59 1 m 5 1963 Jvvl 11 mR 1 9 mi U DAYS ^^T^ !trCE::^ 73-Aa. im 3 |973 565" S5 1577 Z7R6 I90f THE UNIVERSITY OF CAUFORNIA LIBRARY