File No. 312.93/48.

The American Chargé d’Affaires at Peking to the Secretary of State.

No. 1002.]

Sir: I have the honor to enclose copy in translation of a note dated the 9th instant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, informing the Legation that the Chinese Chargé d’Affaires at Washington has been instructed to express the appreciation of the Chinese [Page 920] Government for the protection afforded by the American consular representatives in Mexico to Chinese residents.

I have [etc]

E. T. Williams.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the American Chargé d’Affaires.

[Translation.]

Sin: This Ministry has received from Mr. Chang, Chinese Chargé d’Affaires in the United States, a telegram to the following effect:

Since the beginning of the Mexican disturbances the American Government has issued repeated instructions to American consuls in Mexico to afford protection to Chinese residents of the country; also, when seventy odd refugees fled to El Paso they were provided temporarily with sustenance. When the disturbance of the “vegetable gardens” occurred for the second time, over thirty Chinese found refuge and were protected in the American Consulate.

When I, the Vice Minister, received this information I was profoundly moved by both joy and gratitude. I have telegraphed Chargé d’Affaires Chang to present the thanks of this Government to the American Government, and I have the honor to address to you, sir, this special letter of thanks.

With compliments.

[Seal of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.]