No. 66.
Mr. Seward
to Mr. Fish.
United
States Legation,
Peking, March 13, 1877.
(Received May 9.)
No. 220.]
Sir: I have the honor to hand to you here with
translation of a dispatch received from the foreign office, announcing that
four new ports will be opened to foreign trade upon the 1st of April next,
and my response.
This action on the part of the Chinese Government is in fulfillment of the
stipulations of the Chefoo convention. No advices, so far as I am informed,
have been received as to the course which the Government of Great Britain
has decided to take in regard to that instrument.
I have requested our consuls at the several ports to give the proper notice
to American merchants within their jurisdiction.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 220.]
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes
a communication.
In regard to the four ports of Ichang, Wuhu, Wea-Chow, and Pakhoi, the
office of
[Page 94]
foreign affairs
memorialized the throne, suggesting the 1st of April next as the date of
opening them to foreign trade, and that a dace for opening the six
landing-places upon the Yangtze River should he announced after proper
regulations had been determined.
Upon the 11th instant an imperial rescript was received so ordering. This
decision of His Majesty is, therefore, respectfully communicated to your
excellency, in common with the other representatives of the several
powers.
To George F. Seward, Esq., & c.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 220.]
United
States Legation,
Peking, March 13,
1877.
Sir: Upon the 12th instant I had the honor to
receive your Imperial Highnesse’s dispatch, informing me that the ports
of Ichang, Wuhu, Wên-Chow, and Pakhoi would be opened to foreign trade
upon the 1st of April next, and that a date for opening the six
landing-places upon the Yangtze River would be announced after suitable
regulations had been agreed upon.
I have instructed the consuls of my government at the several ports to
communicate the contents of your Imperial Highnesse’s dispatch to our
people.
I have, &c.,
To His Imperial Highness Prince Kung, &c.
