Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 7, 1903

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

Legation of the United States,
Peking, July 22, 1903.

(Acknowledging Mr. Hay’s telegram of July 14, Mr. Conger reports that Prince Ch’ing reaffirms willingness of the Chinese Government to open the ports, but reiterates the absolute impossibility of opening them until the withdrawal of Russia. States that Prince Ch’ing has given his written promise that then China herself will open two of the three places in Manchuria.

States that Peking is now practically open, but China will not put it in a treaty.

This seems to be the best under the circumstances that China can do at present.

Mr. Conger recommends that treaty be concluded immediately without the ports.)