793.00/71
The British Chargé (Chilton) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received July 8.]
Sir: With reference to the correspondence on the subject of the situation in China ending with my note No. 682 of July 6th, I have the honour to inform you, by instructions of His Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, that His Majesty’s Government are disposed to think that the dangers of the Chinese situation would be diminished if a joint declaration could forthwith be made publicly by the nine Powers signatory to the Washington China Treaties indicating their readiness to expedite the tariff conference and warning Chinese factions of the consequences if the present agitations should make a meeting of the Conference impossible. His Majesty’s Government have accordingly drafted a declaration, the terms of which are as follows:—
“The Washington Customs Treaty81 provided for the early convocation of a conference at which by the agreement between China and the nine Powers, certain economic measures should be adopted for the benefit of China as a whole. The spirit animating the Powers remains today what it was then. Various subsequent changes in the situation which have delayed the meeting of a conference have not affected the original intentions of the Powers; on the contrary, they have confirmed these intentions whilst the Powers themselves consider that the objects of the Washington Conference are to fulfill an agreement to be reached at the Tariff Conference which will require to be of a more far-reaching and comprehensive nature than was originally contemplated. The Powers further hope that the Tariff Conference will be but the first step in a comprehensive revision of the treaties which they express their willingness to undertake at the earliest opportunity. The Powers are accordingly anxious to expedite the meeting of the Tariff Conference and to enter upon it with the desire to devise, in co-operation with the Chinese people, such modifications [Page 777] of the present tariff system as will correspond to present needs and will supply China with the necessary resources to stabilize her administrative system and will create those conditions of internal stability and international accord which are necessary conditions for the assumption by China of her proper place in the comity of Nations. The Powers are anxious to lose no time in taking steps towards this end. But it is obvious that no effective progress can be made so long as the present anti-foreign agitation persists and especially so long as it expresses itself in the forms which imply absence of any responsible authority for the purpose of international consultation and co-operation.
The agitation now proceeding, unless the Powers have misjudged it, is pregnant with graver possibilities than the mere disintegration of responsible authority. It seems to be taking the form of an organized movement designed to extort forcibly from the Powers the unconditional abandonment of their rights and obligations conferred upon them by the present treaties. The Powers hope that they are mistaken in this estimation, but they feel it their duty solemnly to warn the Chinese Government that should these apprehensions be justified, an entirely new situation will be created in which not only will the hope of the Powers for constructive co-operation with China be frustrated but they will be obliged to consult together as to the immediate measures necessary to protect their interests until the realisation of these hopes shall again become possible.”
I am directed to ascertain whether the United States Government concur in the terms of the above declaration. Any suggestions as to its wording will be gladly received by His Majesty’s Government.
Furthermore, I am to explain that if the nine Powers have not agreed within a week on issuing the joint declaration, His Majesty’s Government suggest that it should be made by themselves and the United States and Japanese Governments.
In view of this, I am directed to impress upon you the very great urgency of the matter.
I have [etc.]