Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, June 9,
1903.
No. 1318.]
Sir: I have the honor to confirm farther
telegraphic correspondence upon the question of open ports and
consulates in Manchuria.
The Russian minister arrived here on May 29. I had a conference with him
on the 30th, with the result stated in my telegram of that date, and on
the 6th instant I called to inquire, and he informed me that he had not
as yet received reply to his telegram.
He again said he was sure his Government was not opposed to opening the
ports. I then, asked him if, since he was certain there was no objection
on the part of Russia, he would not so state to the Chinese Government.
He replied that he could make no specific statement upon the matter
until he received definite instructions from St. Petersburg. I wired you
this on the 6th instant, and as instructed in your reply of the same
date, shall take no further action until additional instructions are
received.
* * * * * * *
In compliance with your telegraphic instructions of May 29, I at once
sent to Prince Ch’ing the note a copy of which I inclose, but as yet
have received no reply. Prince Ch’ing has for the last three weeks been
ill, but is reported as returning to duty to-day.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Conger to
Prince Ch’ing.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, May
30, 1903.
F. O., No. 504.]
Your Highness: Having telegraphed to my
Government the contents of your two notes of the 24th and 27th
instant, I have to-day received telegraphic instructions to make
reply to your highness that, in view of China’s well-asserted right
to open new localities to foreign trade when and where in her Empire
she sees fit, the Government of the United States can not for a
moment admit that its most reasonable request, which is alike
beneficial to both countries and to the commerce of the world,
should be brushed aside in the manner suggested by these notes.
China is as well aware as is the United States that commercial
conditions in Manchuria demand the immediate opening of new places
for international trade. If China will not provide for such opening
by treaty, and insists upon doing it proprio motu, then she should
issue an imperial edict at once declaring these ports opened, and
reap the benefit which would come to her in greatest proportion.
I regret to inform your highness that in view of the friendly
interest which my Government has unselfishly taken in the welfare of
China, her unwillingness to comply with the reasonable request of
the United States Government has caused a most painful surprise, not
only to the Government at Washington, but to the people of the
United States in general.
Having thus again called the serious attention of your highness to
this important matter, I take occasion to express the assurance of
my highest consideration.
