Mr. Adee to Mr. Conger.
Washington, August 22, 1904.
(Mr. Adee informs Mr. Conger that reports from Fowler state Chinese Government has been notified by Russian minister that Russian consulate and wireless-telegraph station at Chefoo is liable to be attacked, and that answer has been received from Chinese Government stating that China is unable to protect wireless station. Mr. Fowler says that the assistance of the United States to have station moved is desired by the local authorities at Chefoo. Mr. Adee answered Mr. Fowler that the Government of the United States relies on the good faith of both belligerents to observe the neutrality of China outside the agreed zone of hostile operations in Manchuria, and can not take-any step with either party to prevent Chinese waters from being used as a base of any operations. If collision is threatened between the parties causing damage to the property of Americans, make protest courteously and impartially to both belligerents, reserving all this Government’s rights in the premises.)