Letter from George Kennan to Theodore Roosevelt
Journalist George Kennan reports to President Roosevelt on the Japanese Third Army’s siege of Port Arthur, Manchuria. Kennan claims the Russians are violating the provisions of the Red Cross Geneva Convention. He has witnessed them firing on medical personnel. The Japanese soldiers are unable to recover their wounded and dead comrades. Kennan is very impressed by the Japanese artillery’s accuracy which he credits to the training the gunners receive. He thinks Congress should increase appropriations for training ammunition and stop referring to such costs as wasteful. Other countries have sent officers to observe the siege operations. He is disappointed that the United States has not done the same. General Nogi would like President Roosevelt to send copies of the Infantry and Cavalry Regulations to the headquarters of the Third Imperial Army. Kennan encloses maps showing the Russian and Japanese fortifications. Finally, having just learned of the election results, Kennan sends congratulations to President Roosevelt.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1904-11-20
