Mr. Breckinridge to Mr. Olney.

No. 140.]

Sir: Referring to the legation’s No. 132, of August 24, I now have to inclose translation of a note just received from Mr. Chichkine stating that the minister of the interior consents to our missionaries in China entering Siberia without previous condition or agreement, it only being required of them to agree with the local officials in writing to abstain from all interference with religious matters while there.

I also inclose copy of my note of this date, acknowledging this compliance with the request.

Mr. Adee’s No. 110, of the 4th instant, expressing gratification at the receipt of my telegram of August 23, is to hand.

I have, etc.,

Clifton R. Breckinridge.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 140.—Translation.]

Mr. Chichkine to Mr. Breckinridge.

Mr. Envoy: In reply to the note which you have had the goodness to address to Prince Lobanow-Rostrovsky the 12/24 of August last, I have the honor to inform you that the ministry of the interior does not find [Page 1081] it inconvenient to permit the American missionaries seeking refuge in Siberia to pass the Russian frontier without, as a preliminary, obligating themselves to abstain from all religious propoganda and all interference in religious affairs. The missionaries in question will be required to deliver in writing obligations of this nature to the local Russian authorities after having passed on to the territory of the Empire.

Will you accept, etc.,

Chichkine.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 140.]

Mr. Breckinridge to Mr. Chichkine.

Your Excellency: I have the honor and very great pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 4/16 instant, in which you have the goodness to inform me that his excellency the minister of the interior graciously consents to American missionaries in China passing the frontier of the Empire and taking refuge in Siberia, they being exempted from previous conditions, but required to agree in writing with the local authorities to abstain from all interference with religious matters while there. I have telegraphed this very acceptable information to my Government, and in acknowledgment of the kindness I venture to express the hope that none of our citizens who may be forced to seek the friendly shelter of the Empire will be guilty of abusing its hospitality.

I avail myself, etc.,

Clifton R. Breckinridge.