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An extension and renewal of the Treaty of Anglo-Japanese Alliance signed in 1902. This Treaty states that England will remain neutral with respect to the Russo-Japanese War, unless another nation attacks Japan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-05
The State Department instructs Ambassador Charles Page Bryan to protect American interests in Brazil without taking sides in a Brazilian-Bolivian dispute.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-07-10
Secretary of State Hay addresses the question of “visit, refuge or asylum of a belligerent ship of war in a neutral port,” quoting from the Chinese Neutrality Regulations. There are three cases when a belligerent ship may enter a neutral port. Hay discusses disarming belligerent ships.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-18
Theodore Roosevelt is relieved that Kermit Roosevelt and his wife Belle made it to Buenos Aires, Argentina, given how active the Germans have been on the ocean. Roosevelt does not understand Spain’s pro-German feelings and is sick of President Wilson’s neutrality regarding the War. Roosevelt doubts that Progressive Party will make another fight given their losses in the last election, but he understands the feelings of the electorate. Roosevelt closes by saying he has not been happier in a long time and is enjoying relaxing with Mother.
1914-11-11
George von Lengerke Meyer, Ambassador to Germany, writes about his success in following President Roosevelt’s agenda. The agenda involved finding out how the German Emperor felt about the United States’ neutrality and the territorial integrity of China with respect to Russia and Japan. The Emperor expressed his firm commitment to the agreement and to supporting the United States. The Emperor also warned the Americans to keep an eye on French Foreign Minister Théophile Delcassé.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-05
Two cats, one labeled “Japan” attacking the other labeled “Russia,” have their tails tied to a rope labeled “Manchuria” with a ribbon labeled “Neutrality.”
“Kilkenny cats” are parties whose disagreements are so strong that they kill and devour each other, with only their tails remaining on the ground. The term is derived from a legend about the querulous residents of County Kilkenny in Ireland.
Through centuries, Manchuria (today formally named by its Chinese governing parent “Three Northwest Provinces,” and sometime called by its Japanese name Manchukuo) was a geographical target of voracious Russia and Japan, and variously populated and sometimes ruled by a dozen tribes and ethnic groups, including the Han. Blessed with minerals, fertile land, and other natural resources, Manchuria both prospered and suffered because of its geography; with land to exploit and ports on the sea, it bordered Russia, China, Mongolia, and Korea; with the Japanese islands almost encircling its shoreline like a crescent in the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan. Port Arthur, where Russia maintained a naval base, was in Manchuria; the Russian city of Vladivostok is on the latitude of Manchuria’s geographic center. Sakhalin Island was traditional Manchurian territory long in dispute between Russia and Japan, and a cause of the Russo-Japanese War (the commencement of which specifically inspired Pughe’s cartoon); Soviet claims after World War II; and even board games.
President Roosevelt suggests to Secretary of State Hay how to handle an international relations situation involving Russia and China, suggesting that if Hay presents Russia’s protest about a breach of neutrality to China, he should also mention Russia’s own violations of China’s neutrality.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-16
Theodore Roosevelt defends the shipping of munitions to the allies as this is allowed by the Hague Conventions. This provision was demanded by Germany on behalf of the Krupp family. Roosevelt also defends Belgian neutrality and compares Belgium’s situation to the neutrality of Albert Kuhn’s native Switzerland. Kuhn’s duty is to be “American and nothing else.” He should be opposing Germany due to Germany’s warfare against the American people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-05
Theodore Roosevelt argues that the Hague Conventions have proved futile, as neutral nations, including the United States, have not protested against their violation. International agreements cannot be counted on and each nation must depend on its own “strength to protect it from international wrong-doing.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-13
Theodore Roosevelt appreciates Dwight B. Heard’s letter and addresses the issue of the “Iowa cartoon.” The Progressives and Republicans have not been using his name in their campaigns, of which Roosevelt approves. He believes that within a year or two, the nation will come around to the principles he champions. Meanwhile, President Wilson “has eaten his own words” regarding many of the issues surrounding the war. Roosevelt reflects on the political situation surrounding the war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-06
Theodore Roosevelt wishes there was something he could do to aid the allies. If he controlled the government, the United States would have acted long ago. However, American neutrality has aided the allies with loans and munitions. Roosevelt compares the British situation to the Union during the fall of 1862. The Confederacy was succeeding militarily and Abraham Lincoln’s policies were being questioned. Lincoln and the Union stayed with the fight and turned the situation around. Roosevelt is confident that if the allies “stick to it” they can be victorious.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-25
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Dr. White that the United States unfortunately supports President Woodrow Wilson’s policy towards the war in Europe. Roosevelt sees German submarine warfare, which he considers the “assassination of women and children,” as failing, but believes the Germans have a secret agreement with President Wilson to harass the British and French with pretend concessions. Roosevelt encourages White to read his upcoming article in Metropolitan Magazine. Roosevelt notes that his sons and son-in-law hope to get into the war, but he doubts that America will join. Roosevelt invites the Whites to visit after he returns from visiting the north woods with Alexander Lambert.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-09-03
Theodore Roosevelt has German ancestry and has no prejudice against Germany. However, he disagrees with John R. Parsons that the United States should stay neutral and that Americans should not take passage on the ships of belligerent nations. Parsons is willing to see Americans killed at sea and the Wilson administration is acquiescing to these murders. Roosevelt believes the United States should be standing up for international rights.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-09-03
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with what M. C. O’Byrne has said, and he believes that it is an “extraordinary thing” that Americans are not more moved by what is happening in the world.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-09-01
Theodore Roosevelt wishes he were president in order to intervene in Mexico and “interfere in the world war on the side of justice and honesty.” He does not believe in “neutrality between right and wrong.” Roosevelt sympathizes with the allies against Germany and would have taken action after the invasion of Belgium. However, he is currently a political outsider and is ashamed at the inaction of the United States and its leadership.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-07
Theodore Roosevelt compliments Frederick Scott Oliver’s book, Alexander Hamilton. If the United States enters the war, Roosevelt hopes to raise a cavalry regiment similar to the Rough Riders and serve with his four sons. He argues that Great Britain would probably not have entered the war if Germany had respected Belgian neutrality and is distressed at his own country’s failures to defend international rights. Roosevelt has been annoyed at the activity of pacifists. English pacifists should be concerned about defeating Germany and American pacifists should be demanding that the United States follow through on the country’s international obligations. Pacifists are “playing Germany’s game” by demanding peace without regard to the terms of peace. Roosevelt believes a nation must be strong to preserve friendships and respect. He would like the United States and Great Britain to have a “peculiarly close degree of friendship.” Roosevelt is currently out of sympathy with the American public and commands little support.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-07-23
Theodore Roosevelt thanks J. A. Harvey for his letter and refers to his other statements about the sinking of the Lusitania. Roosevelt himself does not support neutrality.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-23
Theodore Roosevelt feels out of sympathy with American public opinion. The Republican strategy to defeat President Wilson by remaining neutral regarding America’s international duty may be politically sound but Roosevelt doubts if it will be good for the country. President Wilson has received press praise for his non-partisan politics and self-defense strategy. However, Roosevelt thinks his defense plan is nonsense. Wilson continues to pursue half measures and Republicans will not argue for true preparedness. Roosevelt believes many Progressives will support Wilson but, under the circumstances, he supports the Republicans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-26
Theodore Roosevelt is pleased that Frederick Courteney Selous has gone to British East Africa. Roosevelt has come to agree with Selous that the brutal German conduct was a result of a doctrine preached by German leadership. He has publicly spoken strongly about the failure of the United States and other neutrals to do their duty after the violation of the Hague conventions. Roosevelt has been surprised at the strength the Germans have shown in their colonies. He will not write to Selous about ordinary things while Selous is part of the “terrible struggle.” Roosevelt regrets the United States is not fighting.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-04-02