File No. 893.00/991b.
The Secretary of State to
the American Minister.
No. 210.]
Department of State,
Washington,
January 16, 1912.
Sir: I enclose herewith for the information of
the Legation a copy of an instruction this day1 addressed to the Consul
General at Hankow regarding the attitude to be assumed by him in his
relations with the local revolutionary leaders. In replying to any
requests on the part of the American consuls in China for instructions
as to the
[Page 61]
nature of the
relations, if any, they may properly enter into with the revolutionary
leaders, you should be guided by the general principles embodied in the
enclosure to this instruction.
I am [etc.]
[Inclosure—Extract.]
The Secretary of State
to the American Consul General at
Hankow.
No. 13.]
Department of State,
Washington,
January 18, 1912.
Sir: Your maintaining a course of strict
neutrality has the Department’s approval; nor does the Department
find objection to your entering into informal relations with the
revolutionary leaders whenever it may seem advisable to do so for
the safety of the persons and the security of the property of
American citizens.
The fact of holding communication, whether oral or written, with the
revolutionary leaders can not be regarded as a recognition of the
revolutionists as a responsible government. The revolutionists,
however, being in control of the public machinery of local
government and administering the functions of state throughout
various districts, are to be held accountable for any acts committed
therein affecting the public interests of the United States and the
security of American life and property. You may accordingly at your
discretion personally and informally acknowledge the receipt of
communications from the revolutionary leaders, provided such
communications are confined to the concrete matters enumerated
above.
I am [etc.]
For
Mr. Knox
,
Wilbur J. Carr.
