Mr. Hay to Mr. Takahira.
Washington , May 5, 1904 .
My Dear Mr. Minister: In a communication dated the 14th ultimo the Secretary of the Navy inclosed a letter from the commandant of the Mare Island Navy-Yard, transmitting copies of circulars received in an envelope from the consulate-general of Japan at New York City, addressed “To the Japanese serving in the United States Navy,” soliciting subscriptions to Japanese bonds, contributions to the relief fund for Japanese soldiers and sailors, and in aid of the Red Cross Society of Japan. In view of the President’s proclamation of neutrality, the Secretary of the Navy asked whether the circulars should be forwarded.
While Japanese in the United States doubtless have a right to subscribe to Japanese bonds or to contribute to relief and Red Cross [Page 428] Society funds of Japan, yet it is undesirable that such contributions should be sought through the naval official channels of this Government.
Pursuant to these views, the commandant of the Mare Island Navy-Yard has been instructed not to forward to the Japanese serving in the United States any circulars of the character above described.
I now bring the matter to your attention with the request that you will inform the consular officers of Japan in the United States of the attitude of this Government in the matter.
I am, etc.,