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 he may find it necessary to offer will receive the immediate and friendly consideration of the Japanese Government. It will not be necessary for you to say much in elucidation of the separate items of the project as they are very largely self-explanatory; but you might point out that the project taken as a whole will be found to be but little more than the logical and essential development and extension of the principles already recognized by the two Governments, or of conditions embodied in the engagements which the project is designed to supplant.

The foregoing instruction is sent to you in anticipation that the answer to the Note Verbale presented by you will be favourable; but you will not act on that instruction until you receive further instructions, which will be given after you have communicated to me the answer to the Note Verbale.

Petersburg, August 5th, 1903.

(Telegram.)Received, 6th, 1903.

says he is authorized by the Emperor to open negotiations with me on the subject of the Note Verbale.

(Telegram.)Tokio, 6th, 1903.

reference to your telegrams dated the 31st ultimo and 5th instant, you will state to Count Lamsdorff that the Imperial Government fully appreciate the friendly spirit with which the Russian Government received the proposal of the Japanese Government to enter upon negotiations with regard to an understanding between the two countries, and then present at once the project to the Russian Government in accordance with instructions contained in my telegram of the 3rd instant.

Petersburg, August 12th, 1903. (Telegram.)Received, 14th, 1903.

, being now very much occupied, could not receive me until to-day, when I handed to His Excel-