Mr. Denby, chargé, to Mr. Gresham.
Peking, July 6, 1894. (Received August 16.)
Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram of the 3d instant, as follows:
Korea situation critical; hostilities imminent. Chinese Government shows conciliatory attitude in spite of aggressive action of Japan, and asks good offices of England, Russia to secure peaceful solution.
Mr. O’Conor, Her British Majesty’s minister, asked me to telegraph you requesting that the United States Government take the initiative in uniting the other great powers in a joint protest at Tokyo against the commencement of hostilities by Japan. He said that he was in communication with the Yamén and that he knew such action would be acceptable to China and the other powers. I declined to do so unless the Tsung-li-Yamén requested it. I felt it my duty, however, to advise you of the critical condition of affairs at the date of my telegram and of China’s attitude with reference thereto.
The latest advices that have reached Peking indicate that a disposition to resort to diplomatic methods instead of violence is showing itself and that a peaceful solution of the controversy is probable.
I have, etc.,