Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 5, 1898

Mr. Denby to Mr. Sherman.

Legation of the United States,
Pekin, China, May 17, 1898.

No. 2930.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation of a communication from the Tsung-li Yamên relating to the neutrality of China.

It will be noticed that “war vessels of either belligerent can not remain in Chinese ports.” The Monocacy is the only ship which could be affected by this order, but until some question is made as to her departure I shall take no action unless requested to do so by the admiral. The proclamation cited fixes no time in which vessels are required to leave and is therefore defective.

I have, etc.,

Charles Denby.

The Tsung-li Yamên to Mr. Denby.

Pekin, May 9, 1898.

Your Excellency: The princes and ministers have had the honor to receive a communication from the minister of the United States, announcing the fact that hostilities had commenced between the Government of the United States and the Government of Spain, and requesting that the neutrality of the Empire of China may be assured in the existing war.

On the 2d of May the Yamên telegraphed to the viceroys, governors, and tartar-generals of the various provinces to observe the laws of neutrality. Further, instructions were issued to the high authorities of all the provinces and to the inspector-general of customs to issue proclamations for general information. The Yamên duly informed the United States minister of the action taken by the Chinese Government as above. A decree has now been issued by the Emperor to the following effect:

“As war exists between the United States and Spain, it is right that China should observe the laws of neutrality. Severe injunctions must therefore be issued that no assistance to either of the belligerent powers shall be rendered by China. War vessels of either of the belligerent powers can not remain in Chinese ports, thus maintaining the rules of international law. Orders are therefore issued to take action accordingly.”

The Yamên have therefore telegraphed the above decree to the minister-superintendent of southern and northern trade, and, as in duty bound, the princes and ministers send this communication for the information of the minister of the United States, asking him to telegraph to his Government that, as war exists between the United States and Spain, war vessels of either of the belligerent powers can not anchor in Chinese ports, in due observance of international law.