Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1900
Mr. de Wollant to Mr. Adee.
Mr. Acting Secretary: I have the honor to transmit herewith a translation of the “communiqué” of August 12 (25), concerning the views of the Imperial Government on events in China.
I seize this occasion, etc.,
Circular telegram of the acting minister of the ministry of foreign affairs, dated 12–25 August, 1900, substance of which was orally communicated to the Department, August 28, 1900.
“The immediate ends aimed at by the Imperial Government since the beginning of the disturbances that have broken out in China were as follows:
- “First. To safeguard the legation of Russia at Pekin and to insure the safety of Russian subjects against the criminal intentions of the Chinese insurgents, and
- “Second. To extend help to the Government at Pekin in its struggle with the insurrectionist movement with a view to the earliest possible restoration of the legal order of things in the Middle Empire.
“When all the interested States subsequently determined to send troops to China to the same ends, the Imperial Government proposed that the following fundamental principles be adopted for the guidance of the action taken in consequence of the events that were taking place in that country:
- “First. The maintenance of harmony among the powers.
- “Second. The integrity of the former rule of government in the Chinese Empire.
- “Third. The setting aside of all that might lead to a dismemberment of China; and, lastly,
- “Fourth. The restoration at Pekin, through common efforts, of the legally instituted central government which would be competent to insure by itself order and tranquillity in the country.
“Nearly all the powers agreed in these several points.
“With this as its only object, the Imperial Government has remained, and proposes in the future to remain, unalterably true to the above-mentioned programme of action.
“While the progress of events, such as the attack on our troops at Niuchwang by the insurgents, as well as a series of aggressive actions of the Chinese against our territory on the border—notably the entirely unprovoked bombardment of Blagovestchensk—constrained Russia to occupy Niuchwang and march the Russian troops into Manchuria, these temporary measures, exclusively acquired by the necessity of providing against the aggressive acts of the Chinese insurgents, can not be taken as implying selfish views of any character which are entirely foreign to the policy of the Imperial Government.
“As soon as lasting order shall have been reestablished in Manchuria, and when the necessary measures shall have been taken to safeguard the railway, the construction of which has been guaranteed by a formal agreement with China in connection with the concession granted to the Eastern Railway Chinese Company, Russia will not fail to withdraw her troops from within the boundaries of the adjacent empire, provided, however, that the action of other powers shall not stand in the way.
“It goes without saying, the interests of foreign States, as well as those of international companies, either in the open port of Niuchwang presently occupied by Russia [Page 381] or on the railway lines rebuilt by the Russian troops, remain inviolable and will be fully protected.
“The first and main object that the Imperial Government had set up for itself has been attained by the occupation of Pekin, which, owing to the new turn taken by events, has become an accomplished fact sooner than was anticipated; that is to say, the representatives of the powers, together with all the foreigners besieged in the Chinese capital, are released. The second object, namely, that of extending assistance to the legal government of China for the restoration of order and regular relations with the powers, seems to be difficult of execution at this time by reason of the departure of the Bogdokhan [Emperor], the Empress Regent, and the tsungli yamen from Pekin. Under these circumstances, the Imperial Government sees no cogent reason why the foreign legations, accredited to a government that is absent, should continue to reside in the Chinese capital, and it therefore intends to recall its representative. Actual Counselor of State de Giers, and all the personnel of the legation to Tientsin. They will be escorted by the Russian troops, whose presence at Pekin is now without a purpose, considering the intention formed and repeatedly declared by Russia not to overstep the bounds of the previously mapped out programme. But, as soon as the central power legally instituted in China shall have resumed the reins of the Government and appointed representatives duly vested with full powers to conduct negotiations with the powers, Russia, in accord with the other foreign States, will lose no time in appointing negotiators on her part and will send them to such place as may be selected for future negotiations.
“While charging you to bring the foregoing statement to the knowledge of the Government to which you are accredited, we cherish the hope that it will fully concur in our views.”
In consequence of the communication to the foreign governments of the circular whose text is above given, Actual Counselor of State de Giers and Lieutenant-General Lénévitch have been ordered to prepare without delay for the execution of His Majesty the Emperor’s wishes regarding the transfer to Tientsin of the whole personnel of the Russian legation, as well as of the Russian subjects and troops. They will, of course, have to take into account the local conditions bearing on the subject.