William Jennings Bryan to Woodrow Wilson
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My Dear Mr President
I have had an hour and a half talk with Baron Chinda. He is very much disturbed as to the effect of our action on ahis government. He is very anxious to do any thing he can but hoped for some thing to offer as a consolation. He wanted to know if the gov’t would test the California law in the courts or whether Japanese citizens would have to do it. I could give him no assurance that the national govt could help them in this matter. It has occurred to me, however, that we might consider whether we could pay any damages suffered by Japanese if the law causes the loss in value that they fear. This is a remote contigency but we might meet it with a promise to save them from loss, as we have paid for lives lost by mob violence.
He asked about naturalization (I see that, according to the dispatches from Japan), that subject was discussed at a public meeting in Tokio.) I told him that I could give no assurance of that.
He asked about arbitration & I told him I had no authority to consider it, but it occurred to me today that this might be an opportune time to offer to submit the matter to an international commission for investigation if his county would agree to the peace plan submitted to all the nations. It would give us a chance to test the plan & as Gt Britain France & Italy have accepted the principle, Japan could hardly refuse. It would give time for investigation during which passion could subside. What do you think of these two propositions?I have asked him to get an answer from his govt if possible on the peace plan so that I can announce Japan with the other three. He asked me if our answer when delivered would be final. I told him that nothing was final between friends & that we would be glad to consider any proposition they submitted They prefer that their protest & our answer be not published at present and I have promised that we would comply with their wishes and regard these papers as confidential. I submit that the assurance in regard to damages might be inserted in the reply or communicated orally.
You have Blanchard's dispatch from Tokio. I am sending the following reply.“BlanchardWe are gratified that California law is being discussed calmly, and that no feeling is being shown toward Americans In conversation with Japanese government emphasize the extraordinary efforts made by the Washington government to prevent passage of law. Explain freedom of action allowed states under our constitution. Advise restraint and calmness. Suggest that nothing is final between friends and express confidence that a satisfactory solution can be found for all questions if the parties approach the subject with patience and in the right spirit”As I have no one to send this by I will leave it myself as I take Mrs Bryan to the train.
Yours truly
Underlining of words is done by hand.
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