Moryak

Chapter 4

4Russo-Japanese Peace Conference

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

August 1905

President Roosevelt was pleased with the progress that had been achieved thus far. The conference had gone on for nearly three weeks, and Roosevelt felt very encouraged. The Japanese delegation, lead by Baron Komura, appeared to be earnest and accommodating for the entire peace process. Even the Russians seemed to be flexible on the issues, leading Roosevelt to wonder if Witte had given him an accurate picture of the Tsar’s intentions.

The Russians agreed to abandon the Liaotung Peninsula and to withdraw from Manchuria completely. Despite these encouraging developments, the negotiations came to a standstill over the issue of reparations. The Japanese insisted that the Russians be punished financially and demanded a huge financial sum, as well as possession of the island of Sakhalin. The Russian negotiators, lead by Witte, remained steadfast in their opposition to these demands. To all observers, the conference appeared to have reached a stalemate. Although not an active participant in the actual negotiations, Roosevelt felt compelled to become active behind the scenes.

On August 23, he sent a confidential letter to Baron Komura, requesting a private meeting between the two men. It would be held at the president’s hotel suite. In addition, Roosevelt took a special precaution — there would be no documented record of the meeting.

* * *

The final session of the conference was scheduled for August 29, and the meeting still remained deadlocked. The world had already assumed that the conference would end in failure. That afternoon, Roosevelt heard a pounding sound on the door of his hotel room. Irritated that he had to interrupt his correspondence, Roosevelt opened the door to find his personal secretary all but convulsed with delight. “Mr. President,” he said, breathing hard with excitement. “Have you heard the wonderful news?”

“What wonderful news?” he replied, irritated at the intrusion.

“It’s a success! The Japanese have dropped their demands for reparations. Both sides are now totally in agreement. The newspapers are currently breaking the story.”

At first, Roosevelt could not find the words to express his joy and amazement. A broad smile broke upon his face as he embraced his assistant. “This is wonderful! Absolutely delightful! I must get down to the Navy Yard immediately. Please notify my cabinet members,” he said as he dashed over to the chair to grab his jacket.

“And just think, sir, it’s all of your doing. The meeting was your idea. You know that the world will laud you as a great peacemaker. Your place in history will certainly be even further embellished with this great accomplishment. You deserve the lion’s share of the credit!”

More than you will ever know, Roosevelt thought to himself as he headed out the door. More than you will ever know.

* * *

The signing of the peace treaty concluded the Russo-Japanese War. Baron Komura signed on behalf of the Japanese emperor, and Sergei Witte signed on behalf of the Tsar. That night, a large reception was held at the Portsmouth Navy Yard’s Officers Club. Everyone shared a definite sense of history being made. Many had doubted that the conference would succeed. Both sides had surprised everyone, especially Sergei Witte.

As Witte lifted the wine glass to his lips, his attention drifted from the speaker, President Roosevelt. All the other members of the Russian delegation sat in rapt attention as the young president spoke in his usual animated style. Going through a translator did nothing to diminish the impact of his words on the non-English-speaking members of the delegation. How did it happen? Witte wondered to himself. Had Roosevelt gotten to them? Witte was astonished when the Japanese suddenly dropped their reparations demand. In addition, they agreed to divide Sakhalin Island with Russia. He knew the Tsar would approve of these latest offers by Japan because it allowed him to save face. It looked as if the Japanese had backed down. The fool, thought Witte. Russia is on its knees and on the verge of destruction, and he worries about saving face!

President Roosevelt met briefly with each delegation leader before the celebration ended. Baron Komura would be delighted to bring back a secret aid pledge from the United States to deliver to the emperor. No one in the American government would know it, but some presidential discretionary funds intended for the construction of the Panama Canal would soon be diverted to Japan.

When the president went to bid farewell to Witte, the Russian stood at attention and firmly grasped the president’s offered hand. “Congratulations on a job well done,” said the president while pumping the Russian’s hand.

“Mr. President, I don’t know if the world can thank you enough for your efforts. On behalf of my government, we are indebted that you arranged this peace effort.”

At that point, Roosevelt stopped pumping Witte’s hand. He gently began squeezing it with ever-increasing pressure. He just stared into the Russian’s eyes, not saying a word. The eyes spoke for the both of them. Although in pain, the Russian said nothing.

Witte knew. The president had thought about Witte’s proposal to remove the Tsar, and he now signaled his assent.