Army Chief of Staff Bell sends President Roosevelt a letter from a retired Army officer which he believes contains some boasting on the part of a Japanese officer, although he does not doubt that similar thoughts have occurred to “mighty nearly every Japanese official.” Although reports have not shown any preparations by the Japanese for conflict with the United States, they have been gathering intelligence on American military activities on the Pacific coast and in the Philippines, suggesting they view conflict with the United States as possible. Bell is pleased with the measures Roosevelt has taken to be prepared for “any eventuality in the Pacific Ocean,” except for Roosevelt’s suggestion of immediately abandoning Manila if Japan attacks. Bell notes it is a very serious thing to abandon a capital, and very difficult to pack up the archives and records of a government. Bell recommends fortifying the entrance to the Bay of Manila to dissuade the Japanese from taking the islands.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1907-07-18
