Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
No. 413.]
Legation of the
United States,
Peking,
China, September 16, 1900.
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.
Prince Ching is still waiting the arrival of Li Hung-chang. Most of the
foreign ministers are without instructions. At a meeting of the diplomatic
corps yesterday it was suggested that if the Emperor and Empress Dowager
could be induced to return to Peking 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 All agreed that if they could be withdrawn from the influence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, etc.,
[Page 35]
[Inclosure.—Informal.]
Mr. Conger to
Prince Ching.
Peking, September 16,
1900.
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 imminent peril a joint expedition was undertaken by
various foreign powers, which has 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 Peking 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 returns 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, etc.,
