The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-01
THE PEACE PROPOSITION.
The Correspondence between the
United states and Russia.

The Correspondence Between the
United states and Russia.
Following is the correspondence, made
public yesterday. between the Unit d
States and Russia regarding tie with
drawa1 of troops from Pekin:
CHINESE CORRESPONDENCE. AUGUST 2s-2o
1890.
PURPOSES OF RUSSIA IN CHINA
ITelegraphic instruction sent TO the rgpFtse"tI'Nes
Of the United States in Berlin vienna, Pans
London. Rome, Tokyo, and St. Petersburg.l
Department of State,
Washington, Aug. 2g, 1900
1.-THE Russian Charge yesterday after
noon made to me an oral statement re-
specting Russia's purposes in China, to
the following effect:
That as already repeatedly declared,
Russia has no designs Of territorial acqul-
sition in China; that, equally with other
powers now operating there, Russia has
sought safety of legation at Pekin and to
help the Chinese Government to repress
the troubles; that, incidentally to necessa-
~ defensive measures on Russian border.
Russia has occupied Niuchwang for Mill
tary purposes and, as soon as order Is re-
established. will retire troops therefrom
if action of other powers be no obstacle
thereto; that the purpose for which the va
rious Governments have co-Operated for
relief of legations in Pekin has been ac-
complished that. taking the position that,
as the Chinese Government has left Pc
kin, there is no need fer her representa-
tive to remain. Russia hes directed Rus
sian Minister to retire with his official
personnel from China; that the Russian
troops will likewise be withdrawn; and
that when the Government of China shall
regain the reins OF government and afford
an authority with which the other powers
can deal and will express desire to enter
in negotiations, the Russian Government
will also name its representative. Holding
these views and purposes, Russia express
es hopes that the United States will share
the same opinion.
ITO this declaration our reply has been
made by the following memorandum:
Memorandum in response to the Russian Charges
oral communication made August p, 1900.
to the Acting Secretary of state, touching
the purposes Of Russia in China.l
The Government of the United States
receives with much satisfaction the reit-
Grated statement that Russia has no de-
signs of territorial acquisition in China,
and that, equally with the other powers
now operating in China, Russia has sought
the safety of her legation in Pekin and 10
help the Chinese Government to repress
the existing troubles. The same purposes
have moved and viii continue to control the
Government OF LNe Illleu SldltS- anu l4ls
frank declara ions of Russia in this regard
are in accord with those made to the
United States by the other powers. All the
powers, therefore. having disclaimed any
purpose to acquire any part of China. and
now that adherence thereto has been re-
newed since relief mas reached Pelin, il
ought not TO be difficult by concurrent ac-
tion through negotiations to reach an ami
cable settlement with China by which the
treaty rights of all the powers will be sc,
cured for the future, the open door assur-
ed. the interests and property Of foreign
citizens conserved. and full reparation
made fer wrongs and injuries suffered By
them.
' SO far as we are advised. the greater
part OF China is at peace and earnestly de-
sires to protect tee life and property of all
foreigners, and in several OF the provinces
active and successful efforts to suppress
the Boxers have been taken BY the Vice.
Toys 10 whom we have extended encourage /
meut through our consuls and naval Off
GERS. This present good relation should
be promoted FOR the peace OF China.
While we agree that the immediate
object for which the military forces of the
powers have been cooperating. namely,
the relief OF the ministers at Pekin. has
been accomplished, there still remain the !
other purposes wkR.h all the powers have I
In common, which are referred to in the /
communication Of the Russian Charge and /
which were specifically enumerated in our /
note TO the powers OF July ,.
'' These are: To afford all possible pro- |
lection everywhere in China to foreign |
life and property; to guard and protect all /
legitimate foreign interests; 20 aid in pre- /
venting the spread Of the disorders 10 9TH /
er provinces OF the Empire and a recur- /
renee OF such disorders and to seek a solu- |
tion which may bring about permanent !
g.
nese territorial and administrative entity.
protect all rights guaranteed by treaty and .
international law to friendly powers, and
safeguard for the world the principle of
equal and impartial trade with all parts
OF the Chinese Empire.
In our opinion these purposes could /
best be attained by the joint occupation
OF Pekin under definite understanding
between the powers until the Chinese Gov
erlInent shall have been re-established and !,
shall he in position 20 enter into new
treaties with adequate provisions for re-
E7Tstiou and guarantees OF future protec-
Jlou- With the establishment and recog-
milton o. such authority, the United States |
would wish 70 withdraw its military forces |
irom Pe!sin and renit TO the processes Of |
peaceful negotiation uuI just demands
We consider, however, that continued
occupation Of Peaa would be Ineffective
TO produce the desired result unless all
the powers unite therein with entire har- I
mony OF purpozz Any power which de-
iermines to withdraw its troops from Pc
kin will necessarily proceed thereafter to
protect its interests in China by its own
method. and we think that this would mako
general withdrawal expedient. As 10
the time and manner of Withdrawal we /
think that. in view OF the imperfect knowI-
edge Of the military situation resulting
from the Interruptions of telegrsphic COM |
munieation, the several military com /
manders at Pekin should be instructed to