The Russian Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
Washington, March 2, 1905.
The latest reports from the commander in chief of our forces in the Far East show a renewed outburst of activity by the bands of Khounkouses (Hunghutses) in Mongolia and in the provinces bordering on Manchuria—an activity which has been fomented and directed by Japanese soldiers.
This fact has recently been demonstrated by the attempt to destroy the railway bridge between Tchouplain and Fankitou stations, mention of which is made in the official telegrams from General Kouropatkine and his chief of staff, dated February 1, 3, and 5.
Under these conditions outbreaks may be expected among the population of Manchuria, as well as an attempt on the part of the Chinese troops under General Youanchikai to take part in the military operations, which might easily provoke, in all the other parts of the Celestial Empire, serious troubles similar to those of the Boxer uprising in 1900.
Since the beginning of the present war between Russia and Japan, all the efforts of the powers have been directed toward the localization of the theater of war, and by conforming to these interests of the great powers the Imperial Government adhered to the proposals made to it on this subject and assumed on this occasion obligations which it has always scrupulously observed.
Russia reiterates her firm intention to follow this policy in the future, provided, however, that the powers interested will, on their side, take measures to force Japan and China to renounce the idea of enlarging the sphere of military operations, and above all to carefully avoid bringing the war into the provinces east of Mongolia.