[SECRET] To Russia, With Love

To His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Nicholas II,

We in the United States are sure that you have as much concern of any events in East Asia as we do. For decades the Chinese and Japanese have been counter-balancing forces in the region, keeping a status quo. This recent revolution in China threatens to upset this status quo, if indirectly. While the revolt itself, successful or not, does not pose a threat, the opportunity presented to the Japanese does. I am sure you would agree that two moderate powers balancing each other presents a more controllable situation than if one of the two nations gains an upper hand and begins looking outward. Therefore, we would ask if the Russian Empire would stand firm with the United States in the event that action needs be taken in the area of these two nations. We by no means anticipate a need for armed force to be used, but economic pressure from both our nations could certainly be of use, with intervention being a last resort to maintain the balance of power.

Secretary of State of the United States,

Philander C. Knox