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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
Senator Dryden forwards to Secretary of State Hay a telegram from Representative Gardner recommending Atlantic City host the Russian-Japanese peace conference. (Though the typed letter says it is from John T. Dryden, the United States Senator’s name is actually John F. Dryden.)
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-19
Ambassador Griscom was asked by Japanese Foreign Office officials if the Japanese peace conference delegates could be exempted from the declaration of and medical examinations of Asians required under immigration laws.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-19
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-18
Late last night, Ambassador Meyer received a letter from Minister Lamzdorf informing him of Emperor Nicholas II’s decision to accept President Roosevelt’s invitation for peace talks with Japan. Meyer has had some frustrating and heated discussions with Lamzdorf and has had to threaten to take matters to the Emperor himself. Lamzdorf is eager to know who the Japanese plan to appoint as plenipotentiaries, so that Russia can choose its best representatives. Meyer hopes that Russia does not appoint Ambassador Nelidov who he considers to be “too old and nervous.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-18
Ambassador Griscom has complied with instructions from John Hay by verbally communicating a telegram message to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Japanese Government will proceed with the exchange of powers but calls the President’s attention to the discrepancy between the Russian and Japanese replies. The question of full powers will be considered at a cabinet meeting today.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-18
Ambassador Griscom was told by Baron Komura to inform President Roosevelt that the Japanese government is satisfied with the selection of Washington as the place of negotiations. The Japanese government was cautious about the nature of the powers to be conferred on the plenipotentiaries, but the Japanese government has confidence in Roosevelt so they accept his interpretation of Russia’s intentions and will appoint plenipotentiaries with full negotiating powers. Those appointed will be of high rank and position and will have the confidence of his Imperial Majesty and the Japanese government.
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
Ambassador Reid discusses his experience at the English royal court, explains the reasons for England’s reluctance to force conversations for peace between the Russians and Japanese, and relays information on the current relationship between Germany and France.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-17
Minister Kaneko had been ill for four days after his return from Washington so he was not able to write sooner, but he is feeling better. Kaneko is at President Roosevelt’s service and Roosevelt should not hesitate to call him to Washington.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-17
Prince Obolensky writes to Ambassador Meyer, acknowledging receipt of his letter indicating that Thornwell Haynes is to replace Richard Theodore Greener as the U.S. Commercial Agent. However, Obolensky explains that, due to the war, the Russian government will not allow newly appointed agents to replace the previous agents.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
The Office of Naval Intelligence reports on the status of armed forces in Manchuria and warships in the Sea of Japan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
A possible hitch in the negotiations occurred on June 11, when a representative of the Associated Press said that he feared there was bad faith on the part of Russia. This was due to a telegram sent out by Reuters saying that while Japan would nominate plenipotentiaries, Russia would only name representatives. The Reuters agent claimed to hear that information at the Foreign Office. The issue had not been raised by Tsar Nicholas II or Count Lamzdorf, and Meyer had received a formal acceptance that morning from Russia that used the word plenipotentiary.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
Representative Gardner asks Senator Dryden if members of the Peace Conference can stay in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
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
Ambassador Meyer was able to obtain an audience with Emperor Nicholas II. They discussed President Roosevelt’s propositions for peace. Nicholas II agreed to the propositions. He said that it was important that the meeting of the plenipotentiaries take place before Saghalien was attacked or occupied. Nicholas II hopes to see the old friendship between the United States and Russia renewed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-16
Ambassador Meyer sends Secretary of State Hay a copy of the French text and a translation of Russia’s official note of acceptance to President Roosevelt’s invitation for the plenipotentiaries of Russia and Japan to meet to negotiate an end to the Russo-Japanese War. Count Lamzdorf has approved the translation.
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