Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-02

remains hardly anything to be added. AS
will be seen in their wording, the notes
are simply in the form of a declara ton
and are not a treaty or agreement. They
are simply reaffirmation of what was
declared by the two governments years
ago or q definition Of the understanding
already existing.
1T is however. to be noted that the
notes which are exchanged between gov
ernments of such great. moral standing
as those of the United States and Japan
Will have great Importance in the carry
ing out of their common policies. Japan
has entire confidence In the great moral
strength of the United States government
and the latter fully trusts in the strong
good faith of the Japanese government, as
has been amply proved by past expert
ence. In this respect 1t is something like
a transaction between trusted friends. and
1t is sincerely to be hoped that the people
of each country will have the same con-
tidence as their own government in re-
spect to the declaration of the other, and
in doing so there will be everything to
gain and nothing to lose. and friendly in
tercourse and commercial relations will
be fully developed
The substance of the declaration was
furnished in advance Of it's signing to the
various governments interested in Chinese
affairs, and cordial responses of sympathy
and support came from them.
Ambassador Takahira's Note.
Some changes were made in the draft
of the letters passing between Mr.. Root
and Mr.. Takahra as originally written,
copies of which had been sent to Europe
Ambassador Takahira's letter as finally
drafted was as follows:
"Sir: The exchange of views between
us, which has taken place at the several
interviews which 1 have recently had the
honor of holding with you, has shown
II
important outlying insular possessions in
the region of the Pacific OCEAN, the gov
ernments, of the two countries are ami
mated by a common aim, policy and in
tention in that region.
Believing that frank avowal of that
aim, policy and intention would not only
tend to strengthen the relations oil
friendship and good neighborhood. which |
have immemorially existed betwe n
Japan and the United States. but would |
of the general peace the imperial govern
ment have authorized me to present to
you an outline of their understanding of
the common aim. policy and intention.
(aere follow the five articles of the
declaration. }
IF the foregoing out line accords with
the view of the government of the United
States l shall be gratif1ed to receive your
confirmation.
Il, take this opportunity to renew to
your eScellenCy tIlc assurance OF my
highest consideration.
*. TAKAHIRA."
Honorable Elihu Root, Secretary of
State
Secretary Roots Response.
The changes in Secretary Roots letter
are unimportant Its text follows:
department of State
Washington, November go 1908.
"Excellency: Il
Il have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt Of your note today setting forth
the result of the exchange of views be-
tween us in our recent interviews defining
the understanding of the two governments
in regard to their policy in the region
of the Pacific ocean.
ut is a pleasure to inform you that
this expression of mutual understanding
is we.come to the government of the
United States as appropriate to the happy
relations of the two countries and as the
occasion for concise mutual affirmation
of that accordant policy respecting the
far east which the two governments have
30 frequently declared in the past.
Il am happy to be able to transmit to
States, the declaration of the two gov
(Here follow the five articles Of declara-
tion.)
Accept, excellency, the renewed assur-
"ELIHU ROOT.
His Excellency.
Baron KOgoro Takahira.