Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.
[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]
Legation of the United States,
Peking, December 3, 1901.
Peking, December 3, 1901.
(Mr. Conger reports the return of Prince Ch’ing with authority to sign Manchurian convention providing substantially as follows:
- Article 1.—Manchuria will be returned by Russia to Chinese jurisdiction and administration.
- Article 2.—Agreement of 1896 with Russo-Chinese Bank to be permanently maintained, and protection of railway and Russian subjects is undertaken.
- If there are no repetitions of disorder, and the conduct of other nations does not hamper, Russia will evacuate as follows: During 1901, the southern part of Sheng-king up to Liao River; during 1902, the remainder of Sheng-king, and during 1903, Kirin and Heilung chiang.
- Article 3.—In concert with Russian authorities the military governor will fix the number of Chinese troops and points to be occupied, beyond which China will not increase nor advance troops. Except in localities assigned to railway company, China shall use only cavalry and infantry, but not artillery.
- Article 4.—Troops to protect railways can not be sent by other nations. Anglo-Russian railway sphere convention and agreement as to companies borrowing funds to be maintained. No further railway or bridge construction in southern portions will be allowed, nor railway terminus changed, except by Russian consent. All Russian expenses in restoring and maintaining Shankaiwan, Yingkou, and Hsinting railways to be repaid and railway restored to the owners in 1901.
Mr. Conger states that English and Japanese ministers are warning China not to sign, and inquires what action, if any, he shall take.)