Chargé Wilson to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram—Paraphrase.]

(The minister for foreign affairs, at an interview this afternoon said that he could not reply in detail to the representations of the United States, but would do so in writing in a few days; he could, however, assure me that the Japanese Government had decided in principle at a recent council to enforce the policy of the open door in Manchuria. Mr. Wilson also received the following assurances: From May 1 Tatung Kau and Antung and from June 1 Mukden will be open to foreigners and foreign consuls subject to the consent of the Chinese Government, to secure which the cooperation of the United States is desired. Furthermore, from June 1 Japan will have no objection to the presence of foreigners anywhere in Manchuria except in certain districts from which, for military reasons, they might still be temporarily excluded. Owing to disturbed conditions, such as the presence of bandits, the Japanese Government are not responsible for the safety of foreign life and property. The minister for foreign affairs said that since in the leased territory Japan had the responsibilities of government, Dalny could not be opened until the further completion of necessary regulations and arrangements; this was being hurried, and it was hoped the port could soon be opened to foreigners and foreign consuls. Meanwhile, [Page 178] Mr. Wilson was assured that special permits, application for which should be made through this legation, might be issued in some cases to individual foreigners to travel in Manchuria, or to ships to enter Antung or Tatung Kau.)