The Washington weekly post. (Washington, D.C.) 1878-1916, 1900-10-23
Secretary Hay Sees. a Threat
in AnglO-German Pact.
A PARTIAL ACCEPTANCE PROMISED
United states Governments vii. Assent 10
China and Maintenance Of Open Peris,
but VIII Go No Fsrthor-A Report from
Asreement-The Objectionable Clause.

1t was authoritatively stated last night
that the United States government views
with distinct favor the principles enun-
ciated in the Angio-German agreement
relating to China aid that a formal re-
sponse to that effect will be made at an
early day to the invitation extended TO
this government to accept the principles
Of the agreement
The German charge fafaires. Count
Quadt. had a conference, with Secretary
Hay yesterday, presenting officially the
text Cf the Anglo-German agreement, in
eluding the invitation to the United States
to accept the principles therein recorded.
Mr.. Hay expressed his satisfaction at
what had been done, saying he felt it to
be in complete harmony with the policy
this government had pursued. both as TO
the maintenance OF unObstructed COM
merce in China and the territorial entity
of the empire, and adding that formal
reply would be given in day or two.
Clause 3 Not Acceptable
About the only serious question which
has arisen as to the American reply was
on clause OF the Anglo-German sgree-
ment This states that in case Of another
power making use of the complications in
China in order to obtain territorial ad
vantages, Germany and Great Britain re-
serve the right to reach a preliminary TN
derstanding on the eventual step 10 be
taken for the protection of their interests.
This is open 10 the construction of being
a threat against other powers, and there
was no desire on the part of officials here
TO give American adherence to anything
in the nature of a threat. 1t Is probable
that the American reply will not go be-
yond accepting the principle that Ger
many and Great Britain have a right to
agree between themselves as to their
eventual course But there is not likely
to be anything which will commit this
government TO accept this eventual agree
ment. In short the third clause is inter
preted to apply only 10 Germany and
Great Britain, there being 10 invitation
extended to other powers 20 join them in
preliminary understanding regarding
the eventual step to be taken.
Correspondence with France.
The State Department yesterday made
public the correspondence which has taken
place between itself and the French gov
ernment since the original French note
respecting China, which laid down the
terms suggested by France as a basis for
negotiations for a settlement This last
correspondence consists of two notes ex-
changed between Secretary Hay and NJ
Thiebaut. last week. putting in formal
shape certain verbal statements of impor-
tance respecting the negotiation.
An interesting and important feature Of
the United States note is the closing sug-
gestion that the powers bind themselves
again TO preserve China's territorial integ-
rity, and to maintain the "open door," ex-
actly the objects aimed at in the British
German agreement or alliance which was
made public last week. While this note
by Secretary Hay bears date Of october 19,
and the British-German agreement is
assigned the date of October 16. the action
of this government was taken in ignor-
ance of the agreement, and il is en-
tirely possible that ii may have been
the means of bringing about a disclosure
of its purposes. Our suggestion indicates
a favorable response by the United States
government to the invitation TO join with
Great Britain and Germany In the objects
specified.
Secretary Hays Reply.
Secretary Hays reply to NJ. Thiebaut's
note is as follows:
fed 10 learn that all the interest powers have
adhered 70 the essential principle OF the French
note o. October 4, and trusts that such leserya-
tioRs they have suggested will like those men-
tiOred in the reply OF the United States prove no
embarrassment TO the prog ess Of the negotiation
in the course Of which they can be frankly dis
eussed with view to common agreement.
Holding it does in accord with the French
government. that the essential thing now Is to
prove TO the Chinese government that the powers
are ready to meet il in the path OF peaceful ne
gotiation, and that they are united In heir re-
pestediy declared decision 10 respect the integrity
Of China and the Independence OF its government
while equally united in the resolve TO OBTAIN right
fu satisfaction for the great wrongs they and their
nationals have suffered, this government has in
structeG IT'S Minister in Pekin 10 concur in pre-
seatng TO the Chinese plenipOtentisries the points
upon which We are agreed as the initial step to-
ward negotiations, the re-establishment Of the ef
feetiye power and authority Of the imperlaI GOV
ernmsnt.
The government Of the United States believes
that the happy influence upon the determinations
OF the Chinese Emperor and Of his government
which the government OF the French repubIic an |
tic:pstes as The result Of this step would be stn
further induced IL the powers we're 20 include a
part Of their initial declaration collective mani
tesiAtion Of their determination 70 preserve ,b- |
territorial integrity and the administrative eutire,
OF ChLa. and 10 secure for the Chinese nation ana
10. Themselves the benefits Of sDen and sausI som
nereial Intercourse between the Chinese EmDIr. |
and the World al large
Department Of State. Washington. ID q oc, ,s