Foreign Relations of the United States, 1901, Appendix, Affairs in China, Report of William W. Rockhill, Late Commissioner to China, with Accompanying Documents

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay.

No. 90.]

Commissioner of the United States to China,
Peking, China, May 20, 1901.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith for your information copy of telegraphic correspondence had with the Yangtze Viceroys on the subject of suggested reforms and commercial privileges.

I am, etc.,

W. W. Rockhill.

[Inclosure.—Telegram.]

No. 90.]

Hankow, May 11, 1901.

Rockhill, Peking:

Viceroy requests you suggest policy; also send list of reforms and commercial privileges that powers would accept.

Wilcox.

[Inclosure 2—Telegram.]

Peking, China, May 16, 1901.

American Consul, Hankow:

Replying to viceroy’s telegram, tell him United States strongly urges, as among the most important measures for trade, abolition of likin on imports and exports, including transit pass duty; right of foreigners to reside and do business throughout the Empire; revision of inland navigation rules; creation of a mining bureau and good regulations; strict adherence to principle of equal opportunities to people of every nationality. I advise strongly that Peking be put on footing of treaty port and that measures be agreed to for improving river approaches to Shanghai, Tientsin, and Niuchwang.

Rockhill.

Note.—A similar telegram was sent to Consul Martin at Nanking May 17, 1901.