Mr. Griscom to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Tokyo, February 20,
1904.
No. 49.]
Sir: I have the honor to send you herewith a
copy given me by the minister for foreign affairs of an exchange of
notes between the Chinese legation and the foreign office here relative
to the neutrality of China in the present war.
In the Chinese note the resolve to maintain neutrality is dwelt upon, but
the impossibility of its enforcement in places still occupied by foreign
troops is pointed out, and China’s sovereignty over the three eastern
provinces is affirmed.
As will be seen, the Japanese reply states this Government’s position
toward China’s neutrality, assures the Chinese Government that property,
Imperial tombs, etc., will be respected by the Japanese forces, and
disclaims the intention to acquire territory at the expense of China or
to impair her sovereignty.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Note from the Chinese
minister to Japan addressed to Baron Komura, minister for foreign affairs,
dated February 13, 1904.
Japan and Russia have broken off their peaceful relations; but China
being on friendly terms with the two countries, her Government
attaching great importance to the relations of good neighborhood and
in obedience to the Imperial command, have taken steps for the
observance of the rules of neutrality and ordered the authorities of
each and all provinces to strictly observe them. The local
authorities have also been instructed to keep tranquillity in their
respective
[Page 422]
districts and
to extend protection to the commercial and Christian population,
Moukden and Hsing-king being the sites of the Imperial mausoleums
and palaces, the governor-general concerned has been given strict
instructions to guard them with the greatest vigilance. The towns,
villages, and official buildings in the three eastern provinces, as
well as the persons and properties of their inhabitants, shall not
be damaged or injured by the two belligerents. The Chinese troops
stationed in those provinces shall not attack the troops of the
belligerent countries, nor shall the latter be allowed to attack the
former. A garrison has been dispatched by the Peiyang commissioner
to such districts lying west of the Liao as were already evacuated
by Russia. In the various provinces, as well as in Outer and Inner
Mongolia, the rules of neutrality are to be carried out, so that
troops of the two belligerents may not intrude thereupon, and in
case they have crossed the boundary line China will take the
measures for repelling them. Such steps on the part of China shall,
however, not be taken as making a rupture in the friendly
relations.
In Manchuria, however, there are localities still in occupation by
foreign troops and beyond the reach of the power of China, where the
enforcement of the rules of neutrality will, it is feared, be
impossible. The three eastern provinces, as well as the rights
pertaining thereto, shall remain under China’s sovereignty whichever
side may gain victory, and shall not be occupied by either of the
powers now in war.
The above is being communicated to the representatives of foreign
powers in Peking. At the same time you are instructed to make the
same declaration to the minister for foreign affairs of the
Government to which you are accredited.
[Inclosure 2.]
Reply, dated February 17, 1904, of the Japanese Government to the Chinese note.
The Imperial Government, desiring to avoid as far as possible a
disturbance of the peaceful condition of affairs which now prevails
in China, will, in all parts of the Chinese territory excepting the
regions occupied by Russia, respect the neutrality of China so long
as Russia does the same.
The rules of war which govern the Imperial forces of Japan in the
field do not permit the wanton destruction of property. Accordingly,
the Imperial Chinese Government may rest assured that the mausoleums
and palaces at Moukden and Hsing-king and the public buildings of
China everywhere will be secure from any injury not attributable to
the action of Russia.
Furthermore, the rights of the Chinese officials and inhabitants
within the zone of military operation will, in their persons and
property, be fully respected and protected by the Imperial forces so
far as military necessity permits. In the event, however, they
should extend aid and comfort to the enemy of Japan the Imperial
Government reserve to themselves the right to take such action as
the circumstances require.
It only remains to say, in conclusion, that the present war is not
being waged by Japan for the purpose of conquest, but solely in
defense of her legitimate rights and interests, and consequently
that the Imperial Government have no intention to acquire territory
as a result of the conflict at the expense of China.
The Imperial Government also wish the Imperial Chinese Government to
clearly understand that whatever action may be taken by them on
Chinese territory which is made the theater of war will be the
result of military necessity and not in impairment of Chinese
sovereignty.
