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Senator Dryden forwards to Secretary of State Hay a telegram from Representative Gardner recommending Atlantic City host the Russian-Japanese peace conference. (Though the typed letter says it is from John T. Dryden, the United States Senator’s name is actually John F. Dryden.)
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-19
Ambassador Griscom was asked by Japanese Foreign Office officials if the Japanese peace conference delegates could be exempted from the declaration of and medical examinations of Asians required under immigration laws.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-19
This note reports on Aleksei Sergeevich Suvorin’s editorial in the June 18, 1905, edition of Novoe Vremya. Suvorin writes that he considers President Roosevelt’s mediation in the peace talks between Russia and Japan to be a mistake. He does not like the thought that Roosevelt will be viewed as Russia’s benefactor or protector and believes that matters would be resolved more swiftly without mediation. He specifically refutes the notion that Russia is as defeated by Japan as Spain was by the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-18
Hermann Speck von Sternburg updates President Roosevelt on the conditions in Morocco and references dispatches and excerpts from newspapers. One dispatch states France accused Great Britain of trying to drive France and Germany to war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-18
Late last night, Ambassador Meyer received a letter from Minister Lamzdorf informing him of Emperor Nicholas II’s decision to accept President Roosevelt’s invitation for peace talks with Japan. Meyer has had some frustrating and heated discussions with Lamzdorf and has had to threaten to take matters to the Emperor himself. Lamzdorf is eager to know who the Japanese plan to appoint as plenipotentiaries, so that Russia can choose its best representatives. Meyer hopes that Russia does not appoint Ambassador Nelidov who he considers to be “too old and nervous.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-18
Ambassador Griscom has complied with instructions from John Hay by verbally communicating a telegram message to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Japanese Government will proceed with the exchange of powers but calls the President’s attention to the discrepancy between the Russian and Japanese replies. The question of full powers will be considered at a cabinet meeting today.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-18
Ambassador Griscom was told by Baron Komura to inform President Roosevelt that the Japanese government is satisfied with the selection of Washington as the place of negotiations. The Japanese government was cautious about the nature of the powers to be conferred on the plenipotentiaries, but the Japanese government has confidence in Roosevelt so they accept his interpretation of Russia’s intentions and will appoint plenipotentiaries with full negotiating powers. Those appointed will be of high rank and position and will have the confidence of his Imperial Majesty and the Japanese government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-18
Ambassador Reid discusses his experience at the English royal court, explains the reasons for England’s reluctance to force conversations for peace between the Russians and Japanese, and relays information on the current relationship between Germany and France.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-17
Minister Kaneko had been ill for four days after his return from Washington so he was not able to write sooner, but he is feeling better. Kaneko is at President Roosevelt’s service and Roosevelt should not hesitate to call him to Washington.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-17
Benjamin Ide Wheeler praises President Roosevelt’s diplomatic skills. Wheeler states the future of the United States will be determined by the countries across the Pacific Ocean instead of those across the Atlantic Ocean as it was in the founding of the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
A possible hitch in the negotiations occurred on June 11, when a representative of the Associated Press said that he feared there was bad faith on the part of Russia. This was due to a telegram sent out by Reuters saying that while Japan would nominate plenipotentiaries, Russia would only name representatives. The Reuters agent claimed to hear that information at the Foreign Office. The issue had not been raised by Tsar Nicholas II or Count Lamzdorf, and Meyer had received a formal acceptance that morning from Russia that used the word plenipotentiary.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
Ambassador Reid reports to Secretary of State Hay a conversation he had with Lord Lansdowne, in which Lansdowne quelled rumors that England wanted the war between Russia and Japan to continue.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
Ambassador Meyer was able to obtain an audience with Emperor Nicholas II. They discussed President Roosevelt’s propositions for peace. Nicholas II agreed to the propositions. He said that it was important that the meeting of the plenipotentiaries take place before Saghalien was attacked or occupied. Nicholas II hopes to see the old friendship between the United States and Russia renewed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
Ambassador Meyer sends Secretary of State Hay a copy of the French text and a translation of Russia’s official note of acceptance to President Roosevelt’s invitation for the plenipotentiaries of Russia and Japan to meet to negotiate an end to the Russo-Japanese War. Count Lamzdorf has approved the translation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
Acting Secretary of State Loomis sends a private message to Ambassador Reid in London regarding President Roosevelt’s efforts to encourage countries such as Japan to agree upon The Hague. Loomis suggests that the King and his government’s future efforts should involve Japan and peace. Loomis mentions Roosevelt’s need to know the English government’s plans for peace.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-15
Acting Secretary of State Loomis asks Ambassador Meyer to inform Count V. N. Lamzdorf that President Roosevelt had contacted Japanese government officials regarding Washington as the designated meeting place, which would be favorable for Japan and Russia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-15
Secretary of Commerce and Labor Straus congratulates President Roosevelt on his success in recent “humanitarian diplomacy.” Straus is confident that Roosevelt’s efforts will bring peace.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-14
Hermann von Sternburg would like President Roosevelt to contact him as soon as he hears an answer from the French ambassador regarding Morocco.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-14
Kentarō Kaneko advises President Roosevelt of a telegram received from the Japanese government indicating that it cannot consent to go beyond the United States which is more than halfway to Russia; Washington or elsewhere in the United States is preferred. Should Roosevelt wish to speak with Kaneko, he will return to New York on Thursday. Baron Takahira will bring the telegram to Roosevelt tomorrow.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-14
The Japanese government intends to send a plenipotentiary with full powers to negotiate and conclude peace terms in accordance with the objectives of President Roosevelt. The wording of the Russian reply suggests the Russian plenipotentiary will only have authority to receive terms offered by the Japanese government. The writer requests that Roosevelt ascertain whether the Russian plenipotentiary will have full powers to negotiate and conclude peace terms. The Japanese government is not willing to meet in Europe but prefers to hold peace negotiations in Washington, D.C., or New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-14