861.77/634: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received January 22, 4:54 a.m.]
376. Your 304, January 18, 8 p.m.39 The President in a letter received today approves of the plan as the best that can be obtained and desires you to inform the War Department of his concurrence and his willingness that General Graves be instructed accordingly.
Concerning needed funds, Mr. McCormick40 and I feel that it is important that comprehensive financial plan be worked out by the several governments interested and that the burden of financing shall be equally distributed. In the meantime to strengthen Stevens’ position upon his taking office Mr. McCormick is cabling recommendation that the War Trade Board Russian Bureau, Incorporated, [Page 244] make a temporary advance to Stevens, provided the Japanese Government does not dissent, of say $1,000,000 which will be applicable to pay wages coming due and in arrears and for needed equipment. It should be clearly understood that this advance is to be repaid as soon as general plans of financing are worked out and that it does not convey any implication of peculiar American responsibility in respect to such financing. Suggest you confer with Japanese Ambassador on the points mentioned.