Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger.
Washington, July 14, 1903.
(Mr. Hay states that the following declaration has been handed him by the Russian chargé d’affaires:
The Imperial Government declares that whatever may be the outcome of the negotiations actually in progress between Russia and the Celestial Empire, which have for their only purpose the obtaining of guarantees for the essential interests of Russia in the province occupied by their forces, it has never entered into its views to oppose the opening to foreign commerce by China in the course of the development of its commercial relations of certain cities in Manchuria so long as foreign settlements are not established. The above declaration does not concern Harbin, a city situated in the zone allotted to the eastern line of the Chinese railway system, and which is consequently not found in the sphere of the entire and uncontrolled jurisdiction of the Chinese Government. Foreign consuls will not be admitted in this city unless the Imperial Government deems it opportune.
Mr. Conger is directed to at once hand a copy of this declaration to Prince Ch’ing, and to urge in the strongest manner immediate agreement on localities to be opened to trade by treaty; authorized to accept Ta-tung-kou and Mukden, waiving Harbin for some future negotiation.
Prompt and final action is highly desirable for all interests concerned.)