I inclose a clipping from the North China News of the 22d ultimo, which sets
out a copy of Mr. Detring’s appointment.
It would seem that, strictly speaking, Mr. Detring was the appointee of Li
Hung-chang, and was not clothed with the power of a plenipotentiary.
[Inclosure in No. 93.—From the North China
News, December 22, 1894.]
the detring mission.
The official document now published proves incontestibly that Mr.
Detring, when he visited Japan, was furnished with proper credentials
for the purpose of ascertaining on what conditions the Japanese
Government would be prepared to open negotiations for peace, and no
valid objection could have been made to the method the Chinese
Government adopted to bring this about. The assertion that Count Ito had
refused to receive Mr. Detring rests entirely on the official statements
published by the Japanese Government after Mr. Detring’s departure from
Japan, but
[Page 93]
no intimation to this
effect was given to Mr. Detring himself, who was on the point of
entering into pourparlers with Japanese officials, as we have before
stated, when he received from Prince Kung a telegram of recall. This, it
has already been explained, was sent because the Chinese Government had
received an answer from America through the United States minister at
Peking, accepting the position, of intermediary for the United States
minister in Japan, with the consent of the Japanese Government. All this
goes to prove that the Chinese Government have done all that is right
and proper to open negotiations for peace, and that they have
unfortunately not been successful as yet lies wholly with the Japanese
Government.
The following is a copy of the dispatch sent by Li Hung Chang to Count
Ito:
Earl Li Hung Chang, imperial
commissioner, grand secretary, etc., to His Excellency Count Ito
minister-president of the council of state, etc.
Our Ta Ch’ing dynasty is in the enjoyment of its traditional policy of
peace with every nation, save that lately has arisen an unhappy dispute
with your country, whereby the usual friendly intercourse has been
exchanged for a state of war. Seeing that no inconsiderable calamities
have lately fallen upon the people, it is now proposed that both
countries temporarily direct their forces by sea and land to cease
hostilities.
Memorializing the Throne upon the advisability of this course, the
commands of His Imperial Majesty, my august master, have been received
as follows:
“Whereas Mr. Detring has held office in our Empire for many years and
proved himself faithful, true, and worthy of the highest trust, we
command Li Hung Chang to inform him fully and completely of whatever has
so far been deliberated upon and decided, and ask him to proceed without
delay to Japan and effect a settlement as occasion arises. Mr. Detring
will inform us confidentially and with due speed by telegram through Li
Hung Chang of the progress of negotiations.”
In accordance with His Majesty’s command, Mr. Detring, an official
holding rank of the first grade, has been directed to proceed forthwith
to Tokyo to present this dispatch and learn the conditions upon which
peace may be regained and amicable intercourse be reestablished as of
old.
Therefore, requesting that your excellency will discuss with Mr. Detring
how friendly relations may be restored, this dispatch is written
commending the proposal to the favorable consideration of your
excellency.
November 18, 1894. Kuang-hsü, 20th year, 10th
month, 21st day.
