Elihu Root,
Root–Takahira Agreement — Secretary of State to the Japanese Ambassador
“ It is a pleasure to inform you that this expression of mutual understanding is welcome to the Government of the United States as appropriate to the happy relations of the two countries and as the occasion for a concise mutual affirmation of that accordant policy respecting the Far East which the two Governments have so frequently declared in the past. I am happy to be able to confirm to Your Excellency, on behalf of the United States, the declaration of the two Governments embodied in the following words: [For text of declaration, see numbered paragraphs in Japanese note, above.] ”
