Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay.

No. 157.]

Sir: In my dispatch No. 151, of the 8th instant, I had the honor to inform you that the representatives of the powers had requested the Chinese plenipotentiaries to memoralize the Throne for an edict prohibiting [Page 304] the importation of arms, ammunition, and of materials used exclusively for their manufacture for a period of two years.

I inclose herewith a note from the Chinese plenipotentiaries to the dean of the diplomatic corps transmitting the text of an edict, promulgated the 25th of August, prohibiting said importation, and also the reply of the dean of the diplomatic corps to the same, dated the 28th instant.

Although I did not fully agree with my colleagues that the facts stated in the edict are not true, I did not think it necessary to refuse to agree to the letter.

I am, etc.,

W. W. Rockhill.
[Inclosure No. 1.—Dispatch No. 157.—Translation.]

The Chinese Plenipotentiaries to Mr. de Cologan.

On receipt of the telegraphic report sent by us to the Throne to make known the fixing of a term of two years, during which should be prohibited the importation of arms and ammunitions, and to request an Imperial edict for that purpose, we learn by telegram from the grand council at Si-an that the following edict has been promulgated on the 12th of the present month (August 25):

“The importation of arms is contrary to law. Nevertheless, traders at the ports open to commerce are constantly, under pretext of official purchases, importing and clandestinely selling these arms. Considering that recently peace has been troubled by brigands, and that it is highly important to publish express prohibitions so as to prevent the occurrence of troubles, we command all Tartar generals, governors-general and governors of provinces, as well as customs taotais to prohibit, in the first place for a period of two years, the importation of arms and of materials serving exclusively in their manufacture and coming from abroad.

“Inform the board concerned.

“By Imperial order.”

Although this decree will be promulgated by the grand secretariat, we deem it necessary to communicate it to your excellency by the present dispatch, requesting you to bring it to the knowledge of the foreign plenipotentiaries.

[Inclosure No. 2, dispatch 157.—Translation.]

M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries.

Highness, Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th instant, by which you transmit to me an Imperial edict prohibiting the importation of arms and ammunition.

The representatives of the powers after having examined this document have directed me to forward to you the following observations:

(1)
The preamble of this edict, not being in conformity with facts and restricting the bearing of Article V of the Joint Note of the 22d December, 1900, should be struck out.
(2)
The prohibition of the importation of arms and ammunition and of material used exclusively in the manufacture of arms and ammunition, applied to the Chinese Government itself as well as to all its agents.

In view of the above, the only portion of the Imperial edict which will be annexed to the Final Protocol is the following:

“We command all Tartar generals, governors-general, and governors of provinces, and also the customs taotais to prohibit, in the first place for a period of two years, the importation of arms and of materials used exclusively in their manufacture and brought from abroad.

“Inform the board which it concerns.

“By Imperial order.”

I avail myself of this opportunity, etc.,

B. J. de Cologan.