December 27, 1903.
"The Russians are not responding to our reasonable demands; their diplomats are simply stalling for time, and that only makes their war preparations ever more favorable. Russian troops are streaming continuously from Europe toward Asia. If we don't react, we will not only be unable to penetrate the Far East Empire, we may even lose our Korean colony. Once I return, I will report Russia's attitude to His Majesty the Emperor; war is unavoidable."
At the end of 1903, after the negotiations between Japan and Russia broke down yet again, Ito Hirobumi said angrily to his entourage.
