Mr. Rockhill to Mr.
Hay.
No. 151.]
Commissioner of
the United States to China,
Peking,
China, August 8,
1901.
Sir: In my dispatch No. 142, of the 26th instant, I
referred to the probability of the powers, in view of their inability to
devise a practicable scheme for enforcing the prohibition of the importation
of arms and ammunition into China, asking the Chinese Government to take the
necessary measures itself to attain the desired end.
This step has been finally decided upon, and the inclosed note has been
addressed by the dean of the diplomatic corps to the Chinese
plenipotentiaries. I am advised that the edict asked for will be promptly
issued. It is believed that it is very unlikely that a renewal of the first
term of two years will be asked for, the powers being now generally adverse
to this provision of the Joint Note.
I am, sir, etc.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Mr. de Cologan to
the Chinese Plenipotentiaries.
Highness, Excellency: The representatives of
the powers, with the object of securing the execution of the Joint Note
of December 22d, 1900, accented by His Majesty the Emperor of China,
have directed me to request you to solicit the signing of an Imperial
edict prohibiting for the term of two years the importation of arms and
ammunition, as well as of material serving exclusively for the
manufacture of arms and ammunition.
My colleagues would be pleased if this edict were published as soon as
possible, so that it may be annexed to the Final Protocol.
In fixing at the present moment a term of two years for the prohibition
of the importation into China of the above-mentioned articles, the
representatives of the powers wish to make it clear at the same time
that after the expiration of this term, new Imperial edicts, renewing
from two years to two years the prohibition of the importation of arms
and ammunition, as well as of material used exclusively for the
manufacture of arms and ammunition, shall be promulgated if the powers
request it.
I avail myself, etc.,
