WAR APPENDIX
His Excellency Count Lamsdorff that it is his intention to take his departure from St. Petersburg with the staff of the Imperial Legation on . . . . . . date.
"The Undersigned, etc., etc."
No. 50.Mr. Kurino to Baron Komura
In compliance with the request of Count Lamsdorff, I went to see him at 8 p.m. February 4th. He told me that the substance of the Russian answer had been just sent to Admiral Alexieff, to be transmitted to Baron Rosen. He added that Admiral Alexieff may happen to introduce some changes so as to meet local circumstances; but in all probability there will be no such changes. He then stated as his own opinion that Russia desires the principle of independence and integrity of Corea and also, of necessity, the free passage of the Corean Straits. Though Russia is willing to make every possible concession, she does not desire to see Corea utilized for strategic purposes against Russia, and believes it useful for the consolidation of good relations with Japan to establish by common accord a buffer region between confines of direct influence and action of the two countries in the Far East. The above is expressed entirely as his personal opinion, and I cannot say whether the same is the substance of the above-mentioned answer, though it seems to be very probable.
No. 51.Mr. Kurino to Baron Komura
In reference to your two telegrams of yesterday's date, I presented to Count Lamsdorff to-day at 4 p.m. the notes as instructed. I shall withdraw from here with my staff and students on the 10th instant.
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