The Van Buren press., 1900-10-27

=
Washington. Oct. 23.-The state de-
partment made public the correspon-
dence which has taken place between
itself and the French government
since the original French note re-
specting China, which laid down the
terms suggested by France as basis
of negotiation for settlement. This
last correspondence consists of two
notes exchanged between Secretary
Hay and M. Thiebaut. last week, put.
ting in formal shape certain verbal
statements of Importance respecting
the negotiation.
An interesting and important fea-
ture of the United States note is the
closing suggestion that the powers
bind themselves again to preserve
Chinese territorial integrity, and to
maintain the "open door," exactly
the objects aimed at in the British
German agreement or alliance, which
was made public Saturday. While
this note by Secretary Hay bears date
Of October 10, and the British-Ge
man agreement is assigned the date OF
October 16, the action of this govern.
ment was taken in ignorance of the
agreement, and 1t is entirely posi-
BILE that 1t may have been the means
OF bringing about q disclosure of its
purposes. Our suggestion indicates
favorable response by the United
States government to the invitation
to join with Great Britain and Ger
many in the objects specified. The
correspondence is as follows:
The French Note.
rrespondence-Chinese Affaires-Oct II.
~ N further relation to the proposals
OF the government Of the French re-
t!einent TO be negotiated by the pow
srs and the Chinese government
The French Charge d'Affaires to tho
d'Affaires, M. Thiebaut Oct Il, 1900. 81
Embassy OF the French Republic to the
1900 The government of the Republic has
highly appreciated the response which
the government OF the United States has
made to Its note Of the fourth OF Octo-
It to observe the sentiments Of sympathy
Tor France which have evidently in
An the Interested powers have adhered
to the essential principle Of the French
note, In so far as concerns the points
which have called forth comments on the
part or certain cabinets, they could, It
would would seem be disguised among the
resentatives at Pekin In the course OF the
negotiations and receive such modifca-
tons as might be judged necessary In or
Ger to more surely and speedily attain the
The essential thing now is to show the
Chinese government. which has declared
itself ready to negotiate, that the powers
they are decided to n respect the n,sr 1aay
OF China and the independence of Its gov
eminent, but that they are none the less
resolved to obtain the satisfaction to
49, In this regard Il would seem that II
the proposition which has beer accepted
az the basis OF negotiations were commu-
nicated to the Chinese plenipotentiaries
Of In their name BY theft dean, this stes
would be OF a nature to have a happy
influence upon the determinations OF tho
emperor OF China and his government
tive step would In powise interfere with
the examination q the points In the
French proposition 20 which the reserva-
lions named by certain governments 70.
late.
The minister for foreign affairs would
be particularly happy to learn that this IN
also the opinion OF the president Of the
United States. and Of the honorable secre.
tary Of state and that they have
thought 4 opportune to send to tho mia.
lister OF the United States In Pokin In.
struct!ons In this sense.
uuied st.t.., n..ro~..
S'~''s "esp""s"
Memorandum In response to the memo
randum In regard to the bases and con.
duct Of negotiations for a settlement
OF pending questions between the pow.
ers and China, delivered to the secre-
tary OF state by the French Charge
d'AifaireS, October n, 1900
Tho Secretary OF State to the French
Charge d'Affaires. Sent to M. Thiebaut,
October ~, 1900.
The government Of the United States Ia |
Rratii,ed TO learn that ali the Interested
powers have adhered to the essential
princIple OF the French note of October
Il. and trusts that such reservations as
they have suggested will, like those mem
toned In the reply OF the United States,
proVe no embarrassment to the progress
they can be frSnkly discussed with a