Mr. Gresham to Mr. Denby, chargé.

[Telegram.]1

You and consul-general at Shanghai seem to misapprehend nature of protection authorized. Lending good offices does not invest Japanese with extraterritoriality nor should legation or consulates be made asylum for Japanese who violate local laws or commit belligerent acts. Protection to be exercised unofficially and consistently with neutrality. Consul-general should not have received two Japanese, and is not authorized to hold them. Your suggestion that our consuls act as arbitrators not entertained.

  1. This was also sent by telegraph on August 29 to Minister Dun at Tokyo for his information.