Mr. Griscom to Mr. Hay.
Tokyo, September 21, 1903.
Sir: * * * In my telegrams of July 14 and 20 I informed the Department that Japan was about to open up negotiations with Russia at St. Petersburg for the amicable settlement of the Manchurian question. The negotiations were begun a few days after my second telegram, and in my recent interview with the minister for foreign affairs he officially confirmed the fact. I asked him what progress the negotiations with Russia were making, and he replied, “They are making no progress at all. The only desire of the Russian Government seems to be to delay matters.” I asked him if he considered the situation critical. He replied, “Yes; it is very serious. The Japanese people are getting into a very excited condition.” I said, “But the Government is able to control them,” and he replied, “Yes; we can control them, but the fact remains that something must be done—some action must be taken.”
I report this interview somewhat in detail because of its serious nature. Baron Komura evidently wished to give me the impression that his Government is determined on a firm line of action, and that its patience is nearly exhausted.
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I have, etc.,