The Secretary of State to Chargé Wilson.
Washington, February 21, 1906.
(Mr. Wilson is informed that urgent representations are being sent to the State Department by American traders that they are prevented from entering Manchuria via Newchwang, notwithstanding the long time which has elapsed since the treaty of peace. American tobacco interests are especially distressed and assert that Japanese agents of the tobacco trade are permitted to enter and push their trade although American agents are excluded. The Department of State, in view of the well-known purpose of the Japanese Government to maintain absolute equality, of trade advantages in Manchuria, [Page 171] is impressed with the idea that unauthorized subordinates may be failing to execute the purpose of the Government of Japan. Mr. Wilson is instructed to ask the Japanese Government to inquire into this matter.)