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Assistant Secretary of State Loomis confirms that special care will be taken to observe President Roosevelt’s request that no communications in reference to the peace negotiations be published in the Blue Book without his consent.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-19
This telegram comes by way of Tokyo, Japan, and is written to reassure President Roosevelt regarding the Japanese government’s intention to appoint peace plenipotentiaries and assign them power.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-18
Senator Nelson congratulates President Roosevelt for bringing Russia and Japan together for peace negotiations. While Nelson does not think it appropriate for either himself or Roosevelt to recognize the new Norwegian government, he suggests that Roosevelt may commend Sweden and Norway for being able to “come together on some fair basis without bloodshed.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-17
Assistant Secretary of State Loomis writes to Minister Griscom informing him that President Roosevelt has advised Minister Takahira that it would be unwise for Japan to appear uncooperative in the upcoming peace talks. Loomis explains that throughout the conflict, Russia has appeared to be the difficult party. Roosevelt believes that it would be a “misfortune for Japan” if they were to “hang back” in the conference. Although Roosevelt regretted that Japan rejected the Hague as the place of meeting, he has arranged for the meeting to take place in the United States.
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
Summary written by James de Vrescheville, clerk to the American ambassador to Russia, George von Lengerke Meyer. The letter describes a meeting between Meyer and Count Lamsdorff of Russia, explaining the meaning of the English translation of a Russian communique saying that Russia and Japan would be willing to sit with President Roosevelt to discuss a truce between the two warring countries. During the meeting, Meyer explained the particular choice of words harped on by the press, that would in no way impact negotiations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-15
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
Diplomatic secretary De Frescheville notes that the Russian government is open to the idea of the Russian and Japanese diplomats meeting together and discussing peace, as long as the Japanese government also agrees to take part in the meeting.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-15
President Roosevelt is trying his hardest to get the meeting between Russia and Japan at The Hague.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-14
Czar Nicholas II is moved by the sentiments expressed by President Roosevelt and is glad to find new proof of the traditional friendship between the United States and Russia. The Imperial Government has no objections to seeking terms of peace with Japan if they desire the same.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-12
Brander Matthews sends President Roosevelt an article and pamphlet. Matthews admires Roosevelt’s ability to persuade others to “give over fighting” and hopes the president can get some real rest ahead of the “hour of struggle.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-11
There are no signs of any hitches in the negotiations. It is assured that Russia and Japan will meet to discuss peace although a location and a date has not been decided on yet.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-11
Emperor William II believes that peace should be made between Russia and Japan, and that President Roosevelt is the best person to help accomplish that. Ambassador Tower encloses a copy of the note that William II sent to him, in order that Roosevelt can gain a better understanding of his purpose. William II sees a continuation of the war as being hopeless for Russia as the people are against it and may try to assassinate Emperor Nicholas II.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-09
John Callan O’Laughlin informs President Roosevelt that Ambassador Cassini has received no communication from Russia. Cassini stated that if he were able to see Ambassador Meyer’s report of his conversation with Czar Nicholas II to ascertain whether Russia wanted peace and if Roosevelt was encouraging Japan to be “moderate,” he would recommend a peace conference. O’Laughlin passed along Roosevelt’s perspective that Russia was defeated on land and sea and that must be kept in mind during negotiations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-09
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-09
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-09
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-09
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-08
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-08
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-07