In our solicitude for the maintenance of peace, which is dear to our heart, we made every exertion to consolidate tranquillity in the Far East. In these peaceful aims we signified as sent to the proposals of the Japanese Government to revise agreements regarding Korean affairs existing between the two governments. However, the negotiations begun upon this subject were not brought to a conclusion, and Japan, without awaiting the receipt of the last responsive proposals of our Government, declared the negotiations broken off and diplomatic relations with Russia dissolved.
Without advising us of the fact that the breach of such relations would in itself mean an opening of war like operations, the Japanese Government gave orders to its torpedo boats to suddenly attack our squadron standing in the outer harbour of the fortress of Port Arthur. Upon receiving reports from the Viceroy in the Far East about this, we immediately commanded him to answer the Japanese challenge with armed force.
Making known this our decision, we, with unshaken faith in the Almighty and with a firm expectation of and reliance upon the unanimous willingness of all our loyal subjects to stand with us in defence of the fatherland, ask God's blessing upon our stalwart land and naval forces. Given at St. Petersburg, January 27, 1904, A.D., and in the tenth year of our reign, written in full by the hand of HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, NICHOLAS.