New-York tribune., 1905-01-27
NEUTRALITY OF CHINA.
HAYS REPLY TO RUSSIA.
An international Conference to Deal
5cith the Question Proposed.

Washington, Jan. 2G-The full text of Secre-
tary Hays circular telegram. to the powers of
January 13. intended to insure the protection of
Chinese integrity, no matter what may be the
outcome of the war now in progress between
Russia and Japan, has been made public here.
The telegram was sent to the American Ambas-
sadors and Ministers to Germany. Austria Bel
gium, France. Great Britain Italy and Portugal
all neutral powers thus leaving Russia and
Japan bound in this respect only by their orig
inal pledges. given in the early days of the war.
All the powers addressed except Belgium and
Portugal have replied to the American repre-
sentations, the correspondence showing them as
entirely agreeing with the position taken by
the government of the United States. and de-
caring their constant adhesion to the policy of
the integrity of china and the open door in the
Orient"
The text of the Secretary's note is as follows:
1t has come to our knowledge that apprehen-
sion exists the part of some of the powers that
in the eventual negotiations for peace between
Russia ana Japan. claim may be made for the
concession of Chinese territory neutral
powers The President would be loath to share
this apprehension, believing that the introduce
ton of eXtraneous interests would seriously en-
barr2ss and postpone the settlement of the
issues involved in the present contest in the Far
East, thus making more remote the attainment
of that peace which is so earnestly TO be de-
sired. For its part. the United States has
pSdtSuiN ildue lIS position well known, ana mas
been gratifed at the cordial welcome accorded
TO its efforts tc strengthen and perpetuate the
broad policy of maintaining the integrity of
China and the open door in the Orient, where
by equality of commercial opportunity and ac-
cess shall be enjoyed ny all nations Holding
these views. the United States disclaims any
thought of reserved territorial rights or control
in the Chinese Empire. and it is deemed fitting
TO make this purpose frankly known and 10 re-
move all apprehension on this score so far as
concerns the policy of this nation. which main
tains so considera BILE share of the Pacific COM
IpeTce of China and which holds such important
possessions i'm the Western Pacific almost at
the gateway of china.
You will bring this matter to the notice OF the
government to which you are accredited and
you will invite the expression of its views
thereon JOHN HAY.
ANSWER TO RUSSIA'S COMPLAINT
The most interesting feature of the corre-
spondence between the State Department the
Russian Embassy and the Chinese Legation
relative to the Russian allegation that Chinese
neutrality has been violated. is a proposition
from Secretary Hay that the Russian COM
plant should be considered by conference of
the powers a suggestion which thus far has
called forth no response. Secretary Hays an
swer to the Russian complaint, after an assur-
ance TO Count Cassn that he had instructed
the American Minister to China to express to
the Foreign Office in Peking the earnest hope
of the President that China would scrupulousy
observe her neutral obligations amy departure
from which would seriously embarrass. not only
China but also the powers interested in limiting
the area OF hostilities." proceeds:
1 willingly took advantage of this occasion, as
have of similar occasions in the past, 10 make |
Coatinued second page.