Peace treaties--Public opinion

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-18

The writer describes President Roosevelt’s successful peace conference between Japan and Russia in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A poem about the conference is included at the end of the article.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-09-14

President Roosevelt writes to journalist and explorer George Kennan regarding his article in The Outlook titled “The Sword of Peace in Japan.” He explains that Kennan’s analysis of Japan’s role in the peace agreement is incorrect, and supports his position with confidential facts. Kennan is told that none of the information in the letter is to be made public, but that he may use it to draw more accurate conclusions. Roosevelt explains that he himself did not force Japan into peace, and that he was not interested in boosting his own reputation through the negotiations. Japan willfully asked for the peace agreement, and also for Roosevelt’s involvement. Despite Kennan’s claims, Japan was in no position to demand an indemnity. The cost of the war, both literal and figurative, was too great for Japan to bear, and so they chose to negotiate for peace. They do not want these facts revealed for fear of embarrassment, Roosevelt explains. He supports Japan’s decisions, although he believes they could have fought harder in the agreement for the ownership of the northern half of Sakhalin Island. He quotes a note from Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to support his claims.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-10-15

Theodore Roosevelt writes to Price Collier and assures him that it is fine they disagree, but notes that he will continue to argue “for what is fundamentally right.” As an example, he cites Coller’s recent book, with which he disagrees with certain implications but ultimately believes it is valuable for explaining the good things about British colonization and for instructing Americans about world affairs. Roosevelt also mentions that he “takes a certain grim delight” in the discovery that his opinions, while vilified by the “peace-at-any-price people,” may have had an ultimately positive impact on the proposed arbitration treaty.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-06-20

P. A. Gaynor, secretary of the United German and United Irish American Societies, encloses to Theodore Roosevelt a copy of a resolution for submission to the Senate, which reflects Roosevelt’s opinions on an important subject.

 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Don Juan Barrios Morales writes to Leslie Combs on behalf of Guatemalan President Manuel Estrada Cabrera. Morales expresses gratitude for the aid of the United States in bringing peace to Guatemala and to the republics of El Salvador and Honduras. It is President Roosevelt’s “marked and able diplomacy” that has largely contributed to the “harmony and brotherhood of Central America.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-28

Henry Cabot Lodge writes to President Roosevelt to discuss arranging a visit with Roosevelt and his family. He also discusses the peace treaty between Japan and Russia.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-09-14

Ambassador Griscom describes to Secretary of State Root the riots in Tokyo, which broke out upon news of the peace treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War. Although several foreigners and American churches have been attacked, the violence does not seem to be specifically directed at foreigners or Christians. However, Griscom encloses a letter stating that two churches are in imminent danger of being attacked and burned, in which he requests protection from Japanese forces.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-09-15

Ambassador Meyer writes to President Roosevelt to discuss his plans to visit America and Russia’s response to the peace treaty. Meyer states that overall the reaction is now favorable. There are rumors of strikes in some Russian locations but Meyer cannot acquire any information “owing to the censorship.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-09-08

Whitelaw Reid writes to President Roosevelt to discuss Great Britain’s opinion of the peace treaty between Japan and Russia. Reid relays in detail his conversation with King Edward VII.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-09-11

John Callan O’Laughlin reports to President Roosevelt from the Portsmouth Peace Conference, which was attempting to end the Russo-Japanese War. O’Laughlin says he is glad Roosevelt was able to secure an adjournment for a few days, as negotiations had reached a stalemate and Roosevelt needs time to communicate with the Russian and Japanese governments. O’Laughlin says the Russian Tsar refuses to pay any indemnities on principle, while Japan demands payment on principle, but the reporter tells Roosevelt they may be able to reach a separate agreement about the money later. If the belligerents try to leave the conference and restart the war, O’Laughlin says Roosevelt might make a statement that they are merely fighting over money to get public opinion involved.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-27

United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom Reid informs Secretary of State Hay that Lord Lansdowne does not have much indication as to the attitudes of Russia or Japan during the Portsmouth Peace Conference. Lansdowne, Reid says, discussed whether it would be more to Japan’s advantage to seize territory or demand a cash indemnity, as they could restart the war over land but not money. Reid also reports that Lansdowne discussed the situation in Morocco, worried that the joint actions of world powers there would embarrass France, and asked what Roosevelt’s views on Morocco were.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-05

Cecil Spring Rice shares matters of foreign affairs regarding Russia, Japan, Germany, and other countries with First Lady Edith Roosevelt. Issues regarding the resolution of the Russo-Japanese War and terms for peace – as well as the situation within Russia, which Spring Rice says borders on anarchy – make up the bulk of the letter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-03-29

President Roosevelt writes to journalist and explorer George Kennan regarding his article in The Outlook titled “The Sword of Peace in Japan.” He explains that Kennan’s analysis of Japan’s role in the peace agreement is incorrect, and supports his position with confidential facts. Kennan is told that none of the information in the letter is to be made public, but that he may use it to draw more accurate conclusions. Roosevelt explains that he himself did not force Japan into peace, and that he was not interested in boosting his own reputation through the negotiations. Japan willfully asked for the peace agreement, and also for Roosevelt’s involvement. Despite Kennan’s claims, Japan was in no position to demand an indemnity. The cost of the war, both literal and figurative, was too great for Japan to bear, and so they chose to negotiate for peace. They do not want these facts revealed for fear of embarrassment, Roosevelt explains. He supports Japan’s decisions, although he believes they could have fought harder in the agreement for the ownership of the northern half of Sakhalin Island. He quotes a note from Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to support his claims.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-10-15