Mr. Conger to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Peking, February 23,
1904.
No. 1509.]
Sir: I have to confirm your telegram of the
19th instant. I have communicated this information to the Chinese
Government in a note, copy of which I inclose.
I have, etc.,
[Page 126]
[Inclosure.]
Mr Conger to
Prince Ch’ing.
American Legation,
Peking, February 22,
1904.
Your Imperial Highness: I have the honor to
inform your imperial highness that I have received a cablegram from
my Government, communicating to me the reply of the Russian
Government to the note circulated by the United States a few days
ago among the powers, which reply is to the effect that the Russian
Government is as desirous as other powers for the preservation of
peace in China, and is quite willing to enter into an agreement with
other governments to secure the neutrality of China, provided that
the obligations of a neutral power are carefully fulfilled by the
Chinese Government and provided that the agreement with the powers
must be faithfully kept by Japan, which Government must also
carefully observe the general principles set forth in the law of
nations; but that as Manchuria must be included within the area of
hostilities, that territory can not by any means be regarded as
within the neutral boundaries. To this statement of Russia the
Secretary of State of the United States replied that he regarded the
response of the Russian Government as a friendly one, and as in
accord with the intent of the circular note issued by the United
States and other powers; that the Chinese and Japanese Governments
had already agreed to the principles set forth in the said note, and
that he would have pleasure in informing them of this response on
the part of Russia.
It becomes my duty, therefore, to communicate the above at once to
your imperial highness, and in so doing, I avail, etc.
