Chang Chih-tung and Sheng Hsuan-hwai to the Chinese Minister.
[Telegram.—Translation.—Left at the Department of State by the Chinese Minister.]
Director-General Sheng has telegraphed the American China Development Company that the Chinese Government has informed the United States Government of the annulment of the railroad contract and that the Chinese Railway Company, which represents the Chinese Government, will not be liable for the $4,000,000 of bonds delivered by the trust company without the sanction of the director-general. Speaking for the gentry and people of the three provinces concerned, Viceroy Chang states that it is the firm determination of the tens of millions of people of the three provinces to have the contract canceled, and that they will under no circumstances recognize the $4,000,000 of bonds as valid obligations.
You will inform the Secretary of State that China has all along taken the firm stand that the contract ought to be canceled and urge the importance of an immediate reply.
You are also requested to publish in the newspapers without delay a statement to the effect that the American China Development Company having violated the contract the Imperial Chinese Government, in deference to the public sentiment of the gentry and people of the three provinces concerned, has canceled the contract in accordance with their petition; that only 32 miles of the road have been completed; that the work has now been entirely stopped; that the public is, therefore, warned from buying any of the $4,000,000 of bonds. You will communicate the above to the Secretary of State and the American China Development Company.
- Chang Chih-tung.
- Sheng Hsuan-hwai.