Kennan, George, 1845-1924

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-05-06

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Recipient

Kennan, George, 1845-1924

President Roosevelt writes to journalist and explorer George Kennan regarding his article in The Outlook titled “The Sword of Peace in Japan.” He explains that Kennan’s analysis of Japan’s role in the peace agreement is incorrect, and supports his position with confidential facts. Kennan is told that none of the information in the letter is to be made public, but that he may use it to draw more accurate conclusions. Roosevelt explains that he himself did not force Japan into peace, and that he was not interested in boosting his own reputation through the negotiations. Japan willfully asked for the peace agreement, and also for Roosevelt’s involvement. Despite Kennan’s claims, Japan was in no position to demand an indemnity. The cost of the war, both literal and figurative, was too great for Japan to bear, and so they chose to negotiate for peace. They do not want these facts revealed for fear of embarrassment, Roosevelt explains. He supports Japan’s decisions, although he believes they could have fought harder in the agreement for the ownership of the northern half of Sakhalin Island. He quotes a note from Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to support his claims.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-10-15

President Roosevelt shares with George Kennan the difficulties he has had dealing with the movement in California to remove the children of Japanese immigrants from schools. Although labor is partially to blame, Roosevelt believes deeply rooted racism is also at fault.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-02-09

In response to an article in which George Kennan got facts about the peace between Russia and Japan wrong, President Roosevelt sends him information about the decision-making that led to the final peace deal. Roosevelt sends this for Kennan private information, because he believes that Kennan as a journalist is taken too seriously to misunderstand and misrepresent the facts.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-10-15

President Roosevelt and Secretary of State John Hay have found George Kennan’s letter interesting, and Roosevelt looks forward to speaking with Kennan in person regarding Kennan’s conclusions about the Russo-Japanese War.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-01-06

President Roosevelt is struck by the humor of the Japanese, their pride in the Red Cross, and “their determination to show that they are humane and not cruel.” Roosevelt is unconcerned about “yellow peril.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-06-02

President Roosevelt regrets he will not be able to see George Kennan and appreciates his good wishes. Regarding the “Indians,” they are having problems finding a competitive way to sell the homesteads.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-03

President Roosevelt agrees with George Kennan’s view on the bills. Roosevelt will sign the Minnesota bill but has informed supporters of the South Dakota bill that it is objectionable.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-02-18

President Roosevelt explains why he supported William Michael Byrne and gives George Kennan permission to show the relevant letters on Byrne to Lyman Abbott.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-03-30

President Roosevelt lays out why he disagrees with an article in The Outlook.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-03-23

After conversations with Secretary of the Interior Ethan Allen Hitchcock and C. Hart Merriam, President Roosevelt is convinced that William Atkinson Jones’s position is correct regarding the land leases on Native American reservations.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-04-15

President Roosevelt thanks George Kennan for the folk tale and letters. He would like permission to use Ms. Collins’s letter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-04-24

President Roosevelt writes to journalist and explorer George Kennan regarding his article in The Outlook titled “The Sword of Peace in Japan.” He explains that Kennan’s analysis of Japan’s role in the peace agreement is incorrect, and supports his position with confidential facts. Kennan is told that none of the information in the letter is to be made public, but that he may use it to draw more accurate conclusions. Roosevelt explains that he himself did not force Japan into peace, and that he was not interested in boosting his own reputation through the negotiations. Japan willfully asked for the peace agreement, and also for Roosevelt’s involvement. Despite Kennan’s claims, Japan was in no position to demand an indemnity. The cost of the war, both literal and figurative, was too great for Japan to bear, and so they chose to negotiate for peace. They do not want these facts revealed for fear of embarrassment, Roosevelt explains. He supports Japan’s decisions, although he believes they could have fought harder in the agreement for the ownership of the northern half of Sakhalin Island. He quotes a note from Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to support his claims.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-10-15