Office of the Historian

Minister Townsend to the Secretary of State.

American Legation,
Brussels, January 30, 1905.
No. 247.]

Sir: Referring to Department’s cable of 13th instant, I have the honor to inform the Department that, in conformity with instructions, I immediately communicated verbally to the minister for foreign affairs the views of the United States Government and invited an expression of opinion.

In addition to the verbal communication, I embraced in a note to the minister the contents of the cable clearly setting forth the position and policy of the United States in regard to the integrity of China, and requested an exchange of views.

I am now in receipt of a reply from the minister for foreign affairs, a copy and translation of which is herewith transmitted, expressing the satisfaction with which the Belgian Government has received the views of the United States, and that, so far as is within the limits of its interest in China, the Belgian Government is entirely in accord therewith.

I have, etc.,

Lawrence Townsend.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to Minister Townsend.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Brussels, January 28, 1905.

Mr. Minister: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter that your excellency has been good enough to address to me to inform me that in view of the peace negotiations between Russia and Japan the Government of the United States disclaims any [Page 3] thought of reserved territorial rights or control in the Chinese Empire, and deems it fitting to make its intentions known in order to remove all apprehensions which might have arisen in this regard.

The Government of the King has received with satisfaction your excellency’s communication, as within the limits of its interest in Chinese affairs it is fully in accord with the views thus expressed.

I avail myself of this opportunity, Mr. Minister, etc.,

De Favereau.