861.77/1804: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Bell) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 5—10 p.m.]
573. Following from Legation Peking to the Department:
“No. 357, November 5, noon [6 p.m.]. Your 285, October 21, 3 p.m. Stevens has been in Peking for two weeks in negotiation with the Chinese. On October 26th Minister of Communications as President of the Technical Board gave Stevens80 orally and Peck representing Legation assurances amply covering your 285, October 21, 3 p.m. In reply to [request for] written confirmation from Stevens of this conversation and these assurances given Stevens and Peck, Minister of Communications likewise confirms conversation and adds
‘Action of this Ministry in concluding with the Russo-Asiatic Bank a supplementary contract for the control of the Chinese Eastern Railway had its origin in the relationship established between China and Russia by virtue of the former convention and the Ministry continues actively to support the inter-Allied agreement for the control of the Siberian Railways and the Chinese Eastern Railway. The plans of the Chinese Government also contemplate nothing contradictory to the said inter-Allied agreement. The supplementary convention affects in no wise the continuance of the inter-Allied Technical Board or its powers of control over the Chinese Eastern Railway. The Chinese Government hopes that the Technical Board as heretofore continues to execute its functions in the manner provided for by the inter-Allied agreement and that it will at all times render assistance to the Chinese Government.’
In view of the absolute independence of the Ministry of Communications in such matters as evidenced by its conclusion of recent convention with the bank without going through the usual channels of the Foreign Office, I consider the foregoing written assurances as binding upon the Chinese Government. However, I await further instructions should anything more be desired. This method of procedure was followed to ensure conclusion of matter while Stevens was in Peking. Texts mailed Tokyo and Washington.”
- I. e., gave Stevens, as President of the Technical Board.↩