Mr. Tavel to Mr. Gresham.
Legation of Switzerland, D. C. , November 5, 1894 .
Mr. Secretary of State:
The situation of foreigners residing in China having, in connection with the war between China and Japan, given rise to serious apprehensions, the Swiss Federal Council has taken into consideration the question of securing protection for Swiss citizens in the far East. It has, therefore, decided to request all the powers that have adhered to the propositions of Great Britain for the joint protection of Europeans and Americans, namely, Germany, France, Russia, and the United States, that they will protect the Swiss citizens residing in China.
I have the honor to inform you that I am directed by my Government to lay before your excellency the request that the Government of the United States kindly agree to extend its protection to Swiss citizens in China so long as the concerted action of the powers will obtain. The Swiss Federal Council has addressed an identic request to the above-named powers.
Hoping that your excellency will kindly, on this other occasion, grant the Swiss citizens the assistance and protection which they have so often received of the Government of the United States,
I seize, etc.,