James Bradley has taken a new look at an old story. His essay includes this from a letter written by President Theodore Roosevelt to his son:
I have of course concealed from everyone — literally everyone — the fact that I acted in the first place on Japan’s suggestion … . Remember that you are to let no one know that in this matter of the peace negotiations I have acted at the request of Japan and that each step has been taken with Japan’s foreknowledge, and not merely with her approval but with her expressed desire.
TR won the Nobel Peace Prize for that not so evenhandedness.
Take a look at Bradley’s article.