Mr. Conger to
Mr. Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Pekin, China, September 16, 1900.
No. 413.]
Sir: A whole month has elapsed since the
arrival of the “relief expedition” and the flight of the Imperial
court, and apparently no progress has been made toward
reestablishment of Chinese authority here or negotiations for a
settlement.
Princa Ching is still waiting the arrival of Li Hung Chang. Most of
the foreign ministers here are without instructions. At a meeting of
the diplomatic corps yesterday it was suggested that if the Emperor
[Page 201]
and Empress Dowager
could be induced to return to Pekin negotiations might be greatly
facilitated. All agreed that if they could be withdrawn from the
influence of Prince Tuan and other pernicious advisers it would be
better. Much time could also be saved, because, if acts of Prince
Ching and Li Hung Chang must be presented to the Throne for
approval, it would take weeks to get them to Sianfu and returned. *
* *
It was agreed that each would write an informal note to Prince Ching
suggesting the return of the “Emperor and Empress Dowager,” “the
Court,” or the “Emperor,” as he pleased. I preferred to mention only
the “Emperor,” and have written Prince Ching accordingly, inclosing
a copy herewith of the note sent him.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Conger
to Prince Ching.
Pekin, September 10,
1900.
Informal.]
Your Highness: I have the honor to
address your highness concerning the existing situation. Into
the cause of that situation it is not necessary at this moment
to inquire. It is sufficient to refer to the fact that, in order
to relieve the foreign legations from immediate peril, a joint
expedition was undertaken by various foreign powers, which have
led to the withdrawal of the court and the present occupation of
the capital.
The main object of this expedition was the relief of the
legations, and as soon as that was accomplished the ministers
showed their willingness to terminate hostilities by welcoming
your highness back to Pekin for the purpose of opening peace
negotiations.
These negotiations seem to be delayed by the nonarrival of the
grand secretary, Li Hung Chang. In the meantime I beg to point
out to your highness that it is my personal opinion that
permanent peace negotiations would be very much facilitated if
the Emperor were also to return to the capital.
It is, as your highness must acknowledge, difficult to restore
tranquillity to the country while the minds of the people are
disturbed by uncertainty as to the future; and nothing would
reassure them more than His Majesty’s return. While he remains
at a distance, surrounded by the same advisers as before, the
prospect of a permanent settlement must remain doubtful, however
successful your highness may be in arranging its terms; for it
suggests both to foreign governments and to the people that
there will be no change in the policy of the Throne toward
foreign powers and their subjects in China.
I therefore venture to suggest to your highness the advisability
of making known to His Majesty the views herein expressed, and I
beg to add that there need be no apprehension that if he remains
he will be treated otherwise than with all respect, or subjected
to any restraint.
I am sure that the treatment your highness has received since
your return will support this assurance.
I have the honor to be,
Your highness’ obedient servant,
