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. 133.]

Commissioner of the United States to China,
Peking, China, July 15, 1901.

Sir: For your information in connection with my No. 129, of the 3d instant, I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of the approved draft of the proclamation referred to therein as having been agreed upon to issue in the name of the powers, reciting the events which brought about the occupation by the foreign forces of the province and the conditions under which they now evacuate it.

This proclamation will shortly be published and posted throughout the province.

I am, etc.,

W. W. Rockhill.

[Inclosure to No. 133.]

Draft proclamation by the foreign Plenipotentiaries to be issued throughout Chihli.

In the spring and summer of last year north China was the scene of grave disorders, and crimes without precedent against the laws of humanity were committed by the Boxers and Imperial troops.

On June 11 the chancellor of the Japanese legation was barbarously murdered at the Yung-ting gate; on June 20 the envoy plenipotentiary of Germany was assassinated while going to the Tsungli Yamen to transact public business; and from that day to August 14 the legations of all the foreign powers at Peking were besieged and constantly attacked. At Tientsin the foreign concessions were bombarded for three weeks with heavy cannon, and repeatedly attacked by Imperial troops and hordes of Boxers. Both at Peking and Tientsin many foreigners were killed and wounded, and a great quantity of property owned by foreigners was wantonly destroyed. Elsewhere, and particularly in the province of Shensi, numbers of foreigners of different nations, chiefly missionaries, were atrociously murdered, and in several places foreign cemeteries were profaned and tombs destroyed.

The foreign governments, as soon as they received intelligence of these doings, sent armies over sea to quell the disorders, protect their nationals, and chastise the persons who were responsible. The Taku forts, Peking, Tientsin, and Paoting, and other places were taken by assault, and the Imperial troops and Boxers were everywhere overthrown in numerous battles and encounters, thousands of them being slain and the rest driven afar off, beyond the confines of Chihli. The princes and high officers of state guilty of participation in the crimes against foreigners have all been most severely punished, several having suffered the death penalty in accordance with the commands of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of China. Provincial officials of all ranks have also been punished according to their offenses.

Heavy indemnities have been exacted by all the foreign States, and all civil and military examinations have been suspended for a period of five years in localities where foreigners were murdered or cruelly treated.

Condign punishment having thus been administered, and China, moreover, having expressed regrets and having promised the other reparations demanded by the foreign powers, friendly relations are now definitely restored, and the foreign troops of all nationalities will gradually return to their homes. Each power will retain a permanent guard to protect its legations, certain places between Peking and the sea will be occupied by foreign troops to preserve freedom of communication, and the Taku forts and all others which might impede this freedom of communication will be razed.

This proclamation is issued by the representatives of the foreign powers so that all may know the true facts connected with the coming and going of the allied forces.

It is also necessary that Chinese officials and people should take warning from the events stated and exercise extreme care to prevent any recurrence of disturbance or disorder.