Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger.
Washington, July 26, 1903.
(Mr. Hay states that if Prince Ch’ing will send Mr. Conger a note agreeing to sign treaty on October 8, providing for opening Mukden and Ta-tung-kou, we will wait until then. Instructs him to make it clear to Chinese Government that date on which new localities shall be opened may, if necessary, be fixed at three months after exchange of ratifications of our treaty; their immediate opening not expected. This will allow abundant time for China to reestablish her administration in all such localities.
The Chinese foreign office, in its notes to Mr. Conger of May 24 and May 27, promised virtually to provide by treaty for opening new ports in Manchuria. Mr. Conger is to insist on compliance with this. Russian declaration of July 14 removes all objections on its part to immediate conclusion of our treaty. We will insist on inclusion of article in treaty providing for new ports in Manchuria, even if they are opened now by China herself, and will not sign treaty without it.
Mr. Conger’s careful attention is called to Mr. Hay’s telegraphic instruction of May 29, and he is instructed to use the arguments therein furnished.)