Robert Lansing to Woodrow Wilson

I had this morning another interview with Viscount Ishii. As you know I submitted to him last Monday a memorandum relative to the important clause which had been stricken out of the note to be sent him. He submitted the matter to his Government and has received a proposed protocol instead of the memorandum suggested by me. I enclose a copy for your consideration. It is my view that this practically covers the ground and of course avoids the idea of suspicion as to Japan's purpose which might have been drawn from the memorandum submitted by us.

This protocol would be signed by the Viscount and myself and retained confidentially, but he informs me that his Government does not feel it would have to be kept as secret as a memorandum such as we proposed.

I would be obliged if you could indicate your wishes as soon as possible as Viscount Ishii is very anxious to set out on his homeward journey.