The Acting Secretary of State to the Russian Ambassador.
Washington, August 2, 1905.
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: On the 28th ultimo this Department received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy quoting the text of a telegram from the commander of the Philippine Squadron as follows:
Admiral Enquist requests that two lieutenants, three sublieutenants be permitted to return Russia, being sick, humanity demanding leave this climate.
In reply to an inquiry which I made of the Japanese chargé d’affaires ad interim at this capital, I am advised by him that the Japanese Government would not have objection to the desired permission being given to the said officers under such conditions as have been exacted in former similar cases. I have so advised the Secretary of the Navy, and have suggested to him that, if not already done, a medical examination by a United States surgical board should be made as a preliminary to actually granting the desired permission for cause appearing.
I am, etc.,