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.

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

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

Any nation that refuses to hold intercourse with other nations must expect to be excluded from this family.

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

If I write in my name to the agents of England and France residing in Asia and inform them that Japan is ready to make a commercial treaty with their countries, the number of steamers will be reduced from fifty to two or three.

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