Sir Chentung
Liang-Cheng to Mr. Hay.
Chinese
Legation,
Washington, February 13,
1904.
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I beg to inclose
herewith for the files of your Department copies of two telegrams from
the Waiwu Pu, dated the 12th instant, relative to the neutrality of
China in the present conflict between Japan and Russia, the contents of
which I communicated to you this morning.
I am, etc.,
[Page 18]
[Inclosure
1.—Translation.]
Cablegram from the Waiwu Pu, dated February 12,
1904.
An Imperial decree has this day been received, which reads as
follows:
Whereas a state of war now exists between Japan and Russia; and
Whereas in view of the friendly relations existing between this
government and the governments of both of the said countries, it
behooves China to take proper steps for the maintenance of a strict
neutrality:
We hereby command, therefore, the Manchu generals, governors-general,
and governors of all the provinces that they issue orders to all
civil and military officers under their direction, and enjoin all
subjects and persons residing within their jurisdiction, to observe
a strict neutrality between the contending powers with a view to the
preservation of good feeling and general quiet, and to commit no
act, intentionally or unintentionally, in violation thereof.
We hereby declare and make known this our command.
You will please communicate the foregoing to the Secretary of
State.
[Inclosure
2.—Translation.]
A cablegram from the Waiwu Pu, February 12,
1904.
Japan and Russia have commenced hostilities. In view of the fact that
both are friendly powers, and on account also of a neighborly
feeling for each of them, an Imperial decree declaring the
neutrality of this government has been issued to all the provincial
authorities for their guidance. Strict orders have also been issued
for the suppression of local disorders and for the protection of
merchants and missionaries.
The defense of Mukden and Hingking, where the Imperial mausoleums and
palaces are, is intrusted to the duly designated Manchu general. The
two powers should permit no injury to be done to the cities, forts,
public buildings, lives, and property in the three Manchurian
provinces. The Chinese troops originally stationed there are not to
attack, or to be attacked by, either party. All the territory west
of the Liao River, which the Russian troops have evacuated, is to be
occupied by troops under the command of the minister-superintendent
of the northern ports (Viceroy of Chihli). In all the provinces and
along the borders of Inner and Outer Mongolia, China will observe
the laws of neutrality and the two powers will not be permitted to
violate Chinese territory or to cross the boundary.
Manchuria, however, is still occupied by foreign troops.
In territory not already evacuated China is powerless to discharge
the duties of a neutral. It is hereby expressly declared that,
without regard to the ultimate outcome of the conflict, all the
territory in the three Manchurian provinces, with all the rights and
prerogatives appertaining thereto, must be restored to Chinese
control, and must not be subject to seizure and occupation by either
power. The foreign representatives at this capital are duly informed
of the contents of this telegram. You will please communicate the
same to the Secretary of State.
