Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 6, 1904

Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

Department of State,
Washington, August 26, 1904.

(Mr. Hay instructs Mr. Conger to use his influence to support the Government of China in its demand for neutrality in its waters. China is unable to force compliance with her rules, and an abuse of neutrality by one of the belligerents will, therefore, naturally provoke reprisal by the other. Abuse of Chinese ports by either belligerent should be prevented by the judicious exercise of neutral influence.)