Office of the Historian
No. 114.

Mr. Smithers to Mr. Bayard.

Legation of the United States,
Peking, April 16, 1885. (Received June 5.)
No. 4.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a decree published in the Peking Gazette, under date the 13th instant, announcing the existence of an armistice between France and China, pending the discussion of the terms of a convention for permanent peace between the two countries.

It is with regret that I am unable to announce the removal of the embargo on the exportation of rice to the north.

I have, &c.,

E. J. SMITHEES.
[Inclosure in No. 4.]

Decree published in the manuscript Peking Gazette of date the 13th of April, 1885.

A decree issued in the presence of the ministers of the Grand Council. As France and China have now under consideration the question for the arrangement of peace, it being agreed upon the execution of the Tien-Tsin teaty, we command that the garrisons at all places (lit., all roads) at the fixed period cease fighting. We further command that all the garrisons of the Yaman and Kwangsi, in accordance with the terms of the convention, at the fixed period be withdrawn from the frontier.

Respect this.