763.72111/34¾
The Chinese Legation to the Department of State
Memorandum
In case all means fail to end the present conflict in Europe it is desirable that warlike operations should not be extended to the Far East. For requesting a suspension of hostilities in the East on the part of the belligerent Powers, the United States has a precedent in the war between France and Germany in 1870.
“November 1, 1870, the Ministers of the United States at Paris and Berlin were instructed to propose to France and North Germany a suspension of hostilities between their fleets in the East.”
“Soon after the ministers of the United States at Paris and Berlin were instructed to make the proposal information was received that the commanders of the French and Prussian fleets, apparently acting on their own responsibility, had, in view of the situation in China, come to an understanding temporarily to suspend hostilities.” Moore’s Digest, Vol. V, page 440. Foreign Relations, 1870.1