File No. 861.00/968
The Ambassador in Japan (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 18, 1.55 a.m.]
Supplementing my January 17, 5 p.m. I have just received the following telegram from Caldwell:
January 16, 7 p.m. Is Brooklyn at Yokohama? Additional Japanese cruiser Asahd is due to-morrow. Considered superfluous and produces situation making presence here of Admiral Knight with the Brooklyn most desirable if not imperative. This view has been expressed voluntarily by Russian officials, British consul and commander British cruiser.
Japanese Government confirms statement that the cruiser Asahi will arrive Vladivostok to-morrow; also supply ship will follow shortly. Including ice breaker this will total four Japanese naval vessels in port and one English; Admiral Knight doubts whether the addition of Brooklyn will allay feeling as reported by Caldwell and [Page 31] fears it may result in including us in suspicions now entertained by the Russian peoples of Japan’s intentions.