Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

No. 1541.]

Sir: I have the honor to confirm your telegram of the 12th, and my reply of the 15th instant.

On yesterday I called on Prince Ch’ing and complied with your instructions, and endeavored to impress upon him the danger, at all times, of the oppressed Chinese subjects in the hostile zone doing something to provoke either belligerent to retaliation against the Chinese Government for which it would not be, in fact, responsible, etc.

Prince Ch’ing replied that he accepted this action as additional proof of the friendly interest in the welfare of China taken by the United States Government, and that such interest was highly appreciated by his Government, and for which they were very grateful.

He said, also, that the Government of China was firmly resolved to maintain absolute neutrality, and he requested me to telegraph that you need have no doubt whatever of the sincere determination of China to keep from being involved in the war, and that there was no danger of offense being given by her to either belligerent.

He said, further, that the viceroys and governors of provinces had all been ordered by imperial edict, and definitely instructed by the Wai-Wu Pu, to exert themselves to the utmost to secure the strictest observance of neutrality, and to preserve perfect order and peace.

I have, etc.,

E. H. Conger.