If you make a treaty first with the United States and settle the matter of the opium trade, England cannot change this, though she should desire to do so.

The United States have no possessions in the east and do not desire to have any, as other countries do.

If Japan had been near to either England or France, war would have broken out long ago.

The President of the United States thinks that for the Japanese opium is more dangerous than war.

In time of war steamships and improved arms are the most important things.

In case of war, a treaty would have to be made at the end of the war.

Since the invention of steamships distant countries have become like those that are near at hand.