Bertie, Francis, Sir, 1844-1919

President Roosevelt reflects to Ambassador Reid on the broader implications of the peace negotiated between Russia and Japan. The British Ambassador to France, Sir Francis Bertie, believes that the terms were too harsh on Japan and will make the United States and Roosevelt unpopular there. Roosevelt believes that Japan’s belief that if it continued the war, it could gain a large indemnity from Russia was incorrect, and nonetheless stresses the importance of the United States remaining ready for any international developments. In a postscript, he takes issue with British criticism of American conduct in the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-09-11

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Whitelaw Reid congratulates President Roosevelt on successfully scheduling the peace conference between Russia and Japan in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Reid claims that Japan shows “a shining example of moderation” in their willingness to negotiate peace when they, militarily, had defeated Russia. He also discusses his hesitance to relay his true feelings to the British newspapers due to the effect on his Russian friends in Great Britain. Reid mentions that Sir Francis Bertie was skeptical of the possibility of peace until Reid read him the telegram. He includes a handwritten note, presumably added after the signing of the treaty, congratulating Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-31

Creator(s)

Reid, Whitelaw, 1837-1912