The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-08-31
RUSSIA AND AMERICA AT ONE.
Declare Ii Should Be Allowed Communication
with His Government.
(By the Associated Press.)

Washington, August 30.-The course OF
the United States in the pending Chinese
negotiations was made more clear today
by an important note, embodying a
commission from Russia and advising the
powers of the action taken by this Gov
ernment. The Russian note declared the
Introduction of Lii Hung Chang's commu-
nication with the Chinese Government as
'ineXplicable" and asked that the powers
direct their commanders to vacate the
order. The United States concurs with
the position of Russia, and informs the
powers that instructions have been sent
to our representative in China in the
spirit of the Russian note. Following is
the official communications
Department of State,
Washington, August "a, 1900.
t'The following note was received by
us from the Charge of the Russian Gov
ernment at this capital, August 18th:
"I have just received a communica-
tion from the Imperial Government in
forming me of the resolution of the ad-
mirals of the allied fleets interdicting the
plenipotentiary of the Chinese Govern
ment, Ii Hung Chang, from all communi-
cation with the Chinese authorities in the
event of his arrival at Taku
:" This resolution being inexplicable,
in view of the fact that all powers have
recognized the utility of admitting his
(Li Hung Chang's) services, in the event
ual negotiations for peace, and especially
because it would be impossible for him
to fulfill his mission in the character of
Chinese plenipotentlary if this were done,
it would be desirable that the interested
governments should give orders to coun-
termand the above mentioned decision
Inquiry of Admiral Remey, com
manding our fleet at Taku, was first an
swered that no such resolution had been
adopted
He now cables that the admirals have
agreed to write the dean of legations in
Pekin instructions in case Ii Hung
Chang should arrive at Taku, and mean
time not to allow him to communicate
with Chinese shore authorities. Admiral
Remey dissented from the last PROPOSE
ton.
eve take the same view expressed in
the Russian note. In the interests of
peace and the effective presentation of
just demands of all powers against China,
it seems important that the Chinese
plenipotentiary should be able to COM
and its military commandant, whose ac-
tion will be necessary to any suspensions
of hostilities as required in my kilograms
to you of the 22nd. The Chinese Minister
here is without powers or advices Ii
Hung Chang is prima facie authorized by
imperial decree to negotiate and is the
only representative of responsible au-
thority in China so far as we are ad-
vised. We have instructed our repre-
sentative in China in the spirit of the
Russian note.
ANY misunderstanding or divergent
action On the subject by the represen-
tative of the powers in China would be
unfortunate and we would be glad to
learn from other powers if there are
reasons not known to us which in thei1
judgment should lead to view different
from that which we take.
You will communicate this to the
Minister of Foreign Affairs, awaiting
early response.
(Sione9l "ADEE
Acting Secretary"