Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-24
A DIPLOMATIC BEARING
EFFECT OF THE DIVERSION OF
TROOPS TO MANILA.
Government Can Decline to Partici-
pate In Further Military Opera
tiOns in China.

The decision Of the administration to
divert to Manila the troops intended to
reinforce our army in China has a diplo-
matte bearing. 1t is pointed reminder to
the powers that, the rescue of the lega-
TONERS having been accomplished, this
government is free to decline further par
ticipation in military operations in China,
save merely to protect our own interests,
If the purpose of these operations Is not
made clear or is not such as could meet with
our approval. 1t is understood that nego-
tiations looking to perfect understanding
with the several powers are now being
directed from Washington. While no direct
confirmation can be had from officials here
of the reported disagreement with the Rus
sian forces at Pekin. the existence Of fric-
ton of some sort and the fact that the
conditions are more or less threatening Is
implied in the intima tons from various
sources
Definite UnderstAnding Needed.
A point has been reached where this gov
ernment can pause and require some fur
ther definite understanding before proceed
Ing further in Its cooperation with the
powers, and the understanding that nego-
t!ations on this subject are in progress
probably explains the necessity for the
Presidents abandonment of his trip to
Chicago The troops diverted to Manila
will still be available for Chinese service If
1T Is found to be desirable to send them
there. but until their need is made appar-
ent through a better understanding 1t Is
not the purpose to send more troops to
China
The Fate of China ~
The matter which must be kept con-
stantly in ", W, though none of the powers
are ready 10 discuss IT at this time, is the
fate of China herself. This government
does not desire in any way to contribute
toward the development of situation
which will result in the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of
China and 1t will in every way possible
make plain It's disapprovai of such a course.
Whether its opposition will be effective to
preserve the integrity of the empire is un-
certain and though that possibility will not
De discussed by any of the government Off
Gals at Washington 1t Is recognized that
events are tending in that direction, on ac-
count OF the weakness of the Chinese gov
ernment. Resistance of this tendency will
be as strong as Ii be made
To Preserve American interests
But If in the end the. dismemberment of
China cannot be avoided but is accom-
piished In spite of our protest, it will be-
come important TO preserve American in
terests, and the purpose will be to do this
without participating IN the seizure of ter
rltory. This would be accomplished through
the recognition by powers claiming Chinese
territory OF the treaty privileges now en-
joyed by this government; or in other
words, through the open door policy be-
Ing maintained under wha sovereignty
prctectorate or influence the territory might
rest. The original open door negotiations
conducted by Secretary Hay promise this.
But even with this assurance of the pro-
lection of American interests this govern
ment will not view with favor the dismem-
berment, but will set it's face determinedly
against 1t as long as resistance through
diplomacy can be made effective