Mr. White to Mr. Hay.

No. 1301.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that it is stated semiofficially in last night’s issue (No. 161) of the North German Gazette that after conference with the foreign affairs committee of the Bundesrath (which under the constitution consists of representatives of the Kingdoms of Bavaria, Saxony, and Wurttemberg, and two others, and which had a special sitting in this city on the 11th instant) Count von Bülow, the Imperial German secretary of state for foreign affairs, communicated to the several federated governments a statement in regard to affairs in China.

In this statement, after referring to the feelings inspired by recent occurrences throughout the civilized world, and mentioning Germany’s commercial and other interests in China, and the murder of her minister, Baron von Ketteler, Count von Bülow goes on to say that “the first official information in regard to a rebellious action in the province of Tschili” was in the middle of last January. He then refers to the previous actions of the so-called “Boxers” in other provinces and to the actions of the local viceroys, as well as to the fact that Germany had no material interests at stake in Tschili except at Pekin and in [Page 328] Tientsin, where no trouble was anticipated, but that, “nevertheless, on January 27 the German minister felt moved to make representations.” Count von Bülow then refers to the similar notes which were sent to the Tsungli Yamen by the German, French, English, and American, and later also by the Italian, ministers, and mentions the growth of the “Boxer” movement, which is ascribed to the lack of good will and notorious sluggishness of the Chinese Central Government. He also refers to the subsequent demand for detachments of troops to guard the legations, to the arrival of the German force in Pekin on June 3, and to the later arrival of United States, French, Russian Austrian, British, Japanese, and Italian forces, making about 450 men in all. He then reviews the action of the Chinese Government with regard to these forces, and says that Baron von Ketteler was until June 10 in accord with his colleagues in thinking that sufficient precautions had been taken to insure their personal safety. Count von Bülow states that “the last report which was received from Baron von Ketteler was dated June 12,” and contained information in regard to Prince Tuan having been made a member of the Tsungli Yamen and an expression of apprehension that the Chinese regular troops might now attack the foreigners, and that since June 13 all reliable communication with Pekin has been broken, and although there can no longer be any doubt as to the murder of Baron von Ketteler, no authentic information has as yet been received as to the fate of the rest of the diplomatic corps.

Count von Bülow then refers to Admiral Seymour’s attempt to reach Pekin, to the military situation at Taku and Tientsin, and to the operations at those places, to the measures taken by the Chinese to prevent the march of the foreign troops to Pekin, and to the number and character of the troops and war vessels which the various interested countries are sending to China, adding—

The military measures taken by us should put us in a position to participate in an appropriate manner as regards Germany’s political importance in the military actions in China, which all the powers consider necessary. Events in China threaten the so successful German mission work in the Far East, the prosperous German trade in East Asia, and finally the important industrial undertakings in the province Shantung. These ideal and material interests must be protected. The end for which we are striving is the restoration of safety to the persons, property, and activity of German subjects in China, the rescue of foreigners shut up in Pekin, the revival and assurance of order under an organized Chinese Government, and expiation and indemnity for the acts committed. We desire no partition of China; we are striving for no special advantages. The Imperial Government is fully convinced that the maintenance of the understanding among the powers is the preliminary requirement for the restoration of peace and order in China, and will, for its part, continue to consider this as of the first importance.

I am, sir, etc.,

And. D. White.