Mr. Denby, chargé, to Mr. Gresham.
Peking, September 15, 1894. (Received October 31.)
Sir: I have the honor to report that I have received from the United States consul-general at Shanghai a telegram, requesting me to use influence to secure the respect of the neutrality of Shanghai by Japan.
From reliable official sources I learn that there is reason for anxiety on this subject. The Japanese Government has shown a decided inclination to withdraw from the promise made to England that Shanghai would not be attacked. For this change of attitude there is much justification. China has not herself respected Shanghai’s neutrality. The great Kiang-nan Arsenal is situated above the city on the same side of the river, just beyond the suburbs of the Chinese city. In the security which the promised neutrality affords, it has been in constant operation. Foreign ships have also quietly loaded with munitions of war from the wharves of this arsenal, and, free from molestation, have awaited favorable opportunities to carry their cargoes to Formosa and elsewhere.
The Chinese Government is also reproached with violation of neutrality in the determination—manifested in the recent case of the two spies—to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over Japanese in the settlements. In consequence of this determination the Japanese are leaving the city in large numbers.
But whatever grounds Japan may have for withdrawing from her undertaking, the neutrality of this great commercial center is of inestimable [Page 59] importance to foreign trade. Under these circumstances I had the honor to telegraph you to-day as follows:
In behalf of the American settlement you are requested to use influence to induce Japan to respect the neutrality of Shanghai, which is again menaced.
England and France have already been appealed to in this matter.
I have, etc.,