Japan

Letter from George von Lengerke Meyer to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Meyer writes to President Roosevelt, relaying details of his meeting with Czar Nicholas II to discuss Roosevelt’s desire to encourage peace negotiations between Japan and Russia. The czar made an exception for Meyer and entertained him on the empress’s birthday. Meyer reports that although Czar Nicholas was initially resistant to the idea, he acquiesced as long as Japan would not be aware of Russia’s cooperation initially.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-09

Telegram from George von Lengerke Meyer to John Hay

George von Lengerke Meyer has informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s consent. Meyer will express to Emperor Nicholas II, by letter, President Roosevelt’s thanks for his expressions of good will.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-09

Telegram from Kogoro Takahira to Theodore Roosevelt

The Japanese Minister Takahira thanks President Roosevelt for his “wise and discreet efforts in the interest of peace.” The Japanese government shares his interest and will send a formal reply once Roosevelt’s note is received. Regarding the meeting place for plenipotentiaries, Takahira thinks Cheffoo, China, will be most suitable, as it is not tied to any political centers. Takahira inquires if it is known who will be chosen as the Russian plenipotentiary.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-09

Memorandum sent by the president to the Japanese and Russian governments

President Roosevelt urges Japan and Russia to negotiate for peace. Roosevelt believes Japan and Russia can meet without an intermediary, but offers to assist if the two nations would like his help.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-08

Letter from John Callan O’Laughlin

John Callan O’Laughlin relays concerns Count Cassini has in regards to President Roosevelt’s negotiations in the Russo-Japanese War.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-08

Letter from Francis B. Loomis to William Loeb

Acting Secretary of State Loomis forwards to William Loeb a message from Japan’s American Minister, along with military relics that the Japanese Minister of War has offered President Roosevelt and a letter from the Minister of War.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-08

Letter from John Callan O’Laughlin to Theodore Roosevelt

John Callan O’Laughlin relays a conversation with Arthur Cassini to President Roosevelt. Cassini is not aware of what was said between Czar Nicholas II and Ambassador Meyer. Cassini was pleased that Roosevelt was encouraging Japan to be cooperative. He was also intrigued by the idea of land being exchanged rather than money. All communications from Roosevelt will be kept confidential.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-08

Telegram from Francis B. Loomis to George von Lengerke Meyer

The Russian government needs to be informed that the Japanese government has consented to the proposal. Then the Russian government will be presented with a dispatch that was also presented to the Japanese government. The dispatch urges Russia and Japan to come to terms of peace and that President Roosevelt is willing to do whatever he can to help.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-08

Telegram from Francis B. Loomis to Lloyd Carpenter Griscom

Two identical dispatches are being sent to Japan and Russia and then will be made public after both governments receive it. President Roosevelt urges Russia and Japan to open up peace negotiations with each other. Roosevelt suggests that the peace negotiations can be conducted between Russian and Japanese plenipotentiaries without any intermediaries.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-08

Telegram from George von Lengerke Meyer to John Hay

Ambassador Meyer informs Secretary of State Hay about the Russian Emperor’s belief that his people prefer war over peace. Meyer mentions that the Emperor agrees with President Roosevelt’s proposition, which is to be kept quiet, and the Emperor wishes for Roosevelt to directly convince Japan to agree for Russian and Japanese plenipotentiaries to meet and discuss peace. Meyer adds that the Emperor hopes for these events to happen soon before any attacks take place.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-07

Letter from John Callan O’Laughlin to Theodore Roosevelt

John Callan O’Laughlin met with Ambassador Cassini and delivered a message from President Roosevelt. Cassini stated that he hopes the United States will urge Japan to be moderate in its peace demands, to which O’Laughlin replied that Roosevelt did “not desire to convey the terms of Japan to Russia or vice versa.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-07

Letter from Henry White to John Hay

Henry White writes to John Hay regarding Morocco’s demands for an international conference and the ensuing responses from ambassadors of other interested nations. While Hay’s efforts toward peace are appreciated by the Italian government, White does not anticipate any results in the near future.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-07

Telegram from Henry White to John Hay

Henry White updates President Roosevelt through Secretary of State Hay on the Tangier Crisis in Morocco and the obstacles preventing peace negotiations between Russia and Japan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-07

Telegram from George von Lengerke Meyer to John Hay

Emperor Meiji is convinced that his people do not desire peace at any price and would support him in continuing the war rather than have him come to terms that may be dishonorable. The Emperor is willing to meet with the Russians and President Roosevelt to discuss peace terms. This must be kept absolutely secret and Roosevelt must take the initiative in obtaining the consent of the Japanese government. Czar Nicholas II’s answer and agreement to such a meeting must be kept secret until Japan agrees. Roosevelt will openly ask both powers to a meeting. Meiji urges that consent be obtained from the Japanese government as soon as possible.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-07

Translation of a cablegram from Luke E. Wright to William H. Taft

Governor-General of the Philippines Wright advises Secretary of War Taft that two of the Russian ships are badly damaged near the waterline and will need repairs to be seaworthy; the third is not so badly damaged. The wounded have been treated. Wright is construing the President’s statement on neutrality to mean that the ships should be repaired and kept under guard.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-05

Letter from Charlemagne Tower to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Tower writes to President Roosevelt about a confidential interview he had with Emperor William II, particularly with regard to the situation in China and the Far East. The Emperor feels that Roosevelt’s attitudes towards China have been helpful for all nations’ interests in China. The Emperor had been formally approached by France regarding a cooperation between Germany, France, and England “for the purpose of establishing permanent control within Chinese territory.” He declared that he would not be part of such an arrangement, and that Germany was in favor of an open door policy. The Emperor believes that immediate danger has been put off by Roosevelt’s actions and by Secretary of State John Hay’s note.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-02-04

Letter from Adna Romanza Chaffee to William Loeb

Adna Romanza Chaffee forwards a report from Captain March on his observations with the Japanese Army.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-02-02

Letter from William Sturgis Bigelow to Theodore Roosevelt

William Sturgis Bigelow confirms that the book, Bushido, is worthwhile and highly valued by the Japanese.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-01-25

Memorandum reporting on a Russian raid

The Office of Naval Intelligence reports that there has been no change in position along the Sha River since last week. The first reported military operation on the west side of the Liao River was a Russian raid by Cossacks accompanied by mounted infantry and eight guns. It is not clear whether the troops passed though neutral Chinese territory.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-01-20

Letter from George von Lengerke Meyer to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Meyer writes President Roosevelt about the Russo-Japanese War. Meyer describes Stanley Washburn’s report of dwindling American sympathies with the Japanese. Washburn does not believe the Japanese army will ever beat the Russian army in Manchuria. Meyer mentions his interactions with Camille Barrère, the French Ambassador, and his indication that French and German banks are beginning to side with Russia. Meyer also relates an interaction he had with the Japanese minister, in which the minister stated he was interested in Roosevelt’s thoughts on Manchuria and Japan’s control of Port Arthur.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-01-20