No. 416.]
Legation of the
United States,
Peking,
China, September 20, 1900.
[Inclosure—Translation.]
Prince Ching to Mr.
Conger.
Peking, September 19,
1900.
Your Excellency: On the 16th instant I had the
honor to receive your excellency’s note, in which you state that the
main object of the expedition sent by the various foreign powers was the
relief of the legations, and as soon as that was accomplished the
ministers showed their willingness to terminate hostilities and open
peace negotiations. Your excellency also pointed out that it is your
personal opinion that permanent peace negotiations would be very much
facilitated if the Emperor were to return to the capital; that the minds
of the people are disturbed, and nothing would reassure them more than
His Majesty’s return. While he remains at a distance the prospect of a
permanent settlement must remain doubtful, however successful I may be
in arranging its terms, for it suggests that there will be no change in
the policy of the Throne toward foreign powers and their subjects in
China. Your excellency
[Page 36]
therefore
suggested the advisability of making known to His Majesty the views
expressed in your note and to add that there need be no apprehension
that if he returns he will be treated otherwise than with all
respect.
In reply, I beg to observe that on account of the reckless manner in
which disturbances have been caused by the Chinese banditti, which
resulted in a revolution suddenly breaking out, the forces of the
various foreign powers came to Peking to relieve the legations. I feel a
deep sense of shame that this should have been found necessary.
Your excellency’s note is full of peaceful sentiments. You say that the
return of His Majesty will have the effect of reassuring the minds of
the people. From this it is evident that your excellency is interested
in what is good and right, and that you hold upright and noble views.
Words are inadequate to express my gratitude and thanks for your
excellency’s kindly expressions.
I have, together with some of the high ministers of Peking, prepared a
joint memorial to the Emperor requesting his return to Peking. I shall
have a copy of your excellency’s note made and send it to His Majesty,
together with the other memorial, within a day.
The grand secretary, Li Hung-chang, has already left Shanghai for
Tientsin and should be here in a few days. When the terms of peace have
been determined upon and settled, (China) will not fail to see that they
are wholly and sincerely acted upon. On no account will matters be
attended to as heretofore, and your excellency need not be too anxious
about this.
Cards, compliments, etc.,
