803.51/6772: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 17—4 a.m.]
30. Following is Foreign Office translation of note dated January 15:
“I have the honor to transmit herewith the text of an announcement issued by the Chinese Government on January 15th concerning the service of Chinese Government debts.
The Chinese Government deeply regrets that the action now taken has been found necessary, but believes that those friendly foreign Governments concerned, who have endorsed the justice of China’s cause, which is so clearly identified with their own interests, will appreciate that it has been caused by events for which China is not responsible.
The Chinese Government greatly appreciates the sympathetic interest shown by the American Government during the present difficult period, and hopes that it will continue its efforts to rectify the situation referred to in the announcement on a basis consistent with existing treaties and agreements and the mutual interests of China and friendly foreign nations.
I avail myself et cetera.”
Following is the English text of the announcement:
[Here follows text of statement transmitted by the Chinese Embassy to the Department of State, January 15, printed on page 804.]
It has been ascertained that the note was sent to the diplomatic missions of eight countries. Informant was unable to indicate the basis of selection of the eight countries but assented when I suggested that perhaps they were countries signatory to the International Protocol of 190144 which bears on the administration of the Maritime Customs.
Repeated to Peiping, Shanghai. Peiping please send by air mail to Tokyo.
- Signed at Peking, September 7, 1901, Foreign Relations, 1901, Appendix (Affairs in China), p. 312.↩