UC-NRLF C 5 7Mb 35fi Vy 3^- /^/, T crv.yfu^'^^^c/^iA/i^n'i \, CHINA. No. 3 (1900). ^.-, N^ CORRESPONDENCE -iiSi'KCTING THE INSURRECTIOMIIT MOVEMENT IN CHINA Presmted to both Houses of Parliament by Command .f ^.Icr Majesty. July 1900. LONDON: PRINTED FOR HER MAJESTY'S STA.TIONEEY OFFICE, BY HAKfilSON AND SONS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE, Pi'.lSTBRS IN ORDINARY TO DEE UAJKSTT. ad to bo puTclmaed, either directly or through any BooV8e11> »' »» « 29 Sir C. LofSngluh Jan. 17, lt)00 16, Mar. 23. Telegraphic Telegraphic »i >» To Sir C. Loffingliih Sir C MacDonald . » I Telegraphic [758 •24, 24, 24, 25, 22, 29, Jan. 31, 31, Apr. 2, 3, n, Mar. 5, 5, Apr. 16, 866002 Subject. Murder of Mr. Brooks and disturbances in Shantung, Further details. His represen- tation to Tsung-li Yamen. Capture of three of the murderers. Unsatisfactory Imperial Edict Disturbances in Chilili. Interview with Vice- roy at Tien-tsin. Steps taken by him to restore order. Situation improving Suppression of secret Societies. Tsung-li Ya- men will probably refuse to issue Edict. Suggests that two of Her Majesty's ships be sent to Taku for protection of British interests His interview with Viceroy of Chihli. Ap- proves action reported in No. 19 . . Murder of Mr. Brooks and disturbances in Shantung. Approves proceedings reported in No. 18 Ships for Taku. Transmits correspondence with Sir C. MacDonald. Asks that Com- mander-in-chief may be instructed to comply with request . • Ships for Taku. Her Majesty's ships " Her- mione " and " Brisk " ordered to proceed there Article in " Ost Asiatisches Lloyd " protesting against rumours of coming revolution in China published by English press Murder of Mr. Brooks. Sentences passed on murderers. Compensation paid. Result unsatisfactory owiug to non-punishment of late Governor of Shantung Suppression of secret Societies. Transmits copy of identic note to Tsung-li Yamen, requesting publication of further Decree. Origin of name of Boxer Society . The succession to the Throne. Transmits Im- perial Decree announcing selectiou of Prince P'u Chiin as Heir- Apparent. Appointment of his advisers . . . . . . The succession to the Throne. Transmits Imperial Edict announcing selection of Heir- Apparent Page Murder of Mr. Brooks, passed on culprits Informs of sentences Murder of Mr. Brooks. Points out that late Governor of Shantung remains unpunished, and has been transferred to Governorship of another province Suppression of secret Societies. Interview of foreign Representatives with Yamen. De- mand for publication of Decree in Gazette. Transmits correspondence Suppression of secret Societies. Memorandum of interview of foreign Representatives with Yamfen on 2nd March . . . . Satisfactory Decree denouncing Boxer Society has been published in " Official Gazette." Her Majesty's ships ordered to Taku have returned lo ordinary dutv a 2 iv TABLE OF CONTENTS. Name. To Sir C. Mac Donald Sir C. MacDonald .. Date. »> II » !• H « To Sir C. MacDonald Sir C. Scott Sir C Ma:Donald .. II « i> II To Sir C. MacDonald Admiralty , . Sir C. MacDonald . . II i> II II Telegraphic I'elegraphic Telegr.iphic Pelegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Apr. 20, 190O Mar. 16, May 17, 18, 19. 20, 21, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 27, 27. 29, 29. 29, 30, Telegraphic : 30, Subject. Fago Suppression of secret Societies. Approves proceedings reported ill No. 32 .. Suppression of secret Societies. Yaraen refuse to publish Decree in Gazette. Transmits copy of further identic note. Appointment of Yii Hsien as Governor of Shansi officially announce 1 . , Three villages destroyed and sixty-one Roman Catholic converts liilled by Boxers near Paoting-fii. Has asked Admiral to retain marine gu^rd about to leave Tien-tsin London Mission chapel at Kung-tsun destroyed, and Chinese preacher killed Suppression of Boxers. Interview with Yamen, who now admit danger of situation English and French missionaries at Yunnan-fu reported to be in danger. Yamen state there are sufficient troops lor protection ,. Suppression of Boxers. Note from Corps Diplomatique to Yamen demanding specific measures aud publication of Decree ., Proposal of foreig n Representatives for naval demonstration in case of necessity. Hopes Her Majesty's Government will support it . • Russian Minister's views as to landing guards and naval demonstration .. .. Her Majesty's Government will support him in measures advocated by Kepresentatives Russian Minister for Foreign AflFairs thinks further pressure will be unnecessary Colonel and party of Viceroy's cavalry destroyed in ambuscade near Lai-shui Suppression of Blixers. Yamdn's reply to note from Corps Diplomatique unsatisfactory . . Meeting of foreign Representatives. Their views on situation. Decision to demand statement from Yamen as to measures taken, failing which to summon guards ,, Energetic measures now being taken against BoxerR. Corps Diplomatique have decided to wait twenty-four hours May send for marine guard if necessary Transmits telegram from Commander-in-chief, stating that he has sent two ships to Taku to land guards if necessary . . . . Line betw<;en Tien-tsin and Peking torn up in places. Traffic stopped. Stations burned . Fo<'eign Representatives have decided to send for guanjs . . . . . , Legation giiards. Yamen have refused per- mission. Situation extremely grave Danger to European life and property Legal ion ;i;nards. Interview with YamSn. Immediate instructions to Viceroy at Tien- tsin deni.'sn''e 1 24 2 J 26 26 26 23 27 27 28 28 28 28 28 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 TABLE OF CONTENTS. SIo. Name. Telegraphic Date. Subject. Page 56 Sir C. MacDonald .. May 31, 1900 Legation guards. Yameii consent, provided they do not exceed thirty for each Legation. Decision to bring up at once those that are ready 31 57 Admiralty •• •• • • 31, Telegram from Commander-in-chief, reporting his departure for Talcu with " Centurion " and "Whiting." Two more ships to follow . . , . 31 58 Sir C. Scott Telegraphic 31, Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs gathers danger is less acute, and hopes guards may not be required 31 59 Sir C. MacDonald .. Telegraphic June I, Arrival of Legation guards. British detach- ment composed of three officers, seventy-five men, and a machine gun 31 60 Sir E. Monson • • May 31, Conversation with M. Delcass€. His confi- dence in French Minister at Peking 3-2 61 Sir C. MacDonald .. Telegraphic June 2, City quiet, but murders occur daily in outlying districts. Situation in Palace strained. Prince Tuan supports Boxers . . . , 32 62 »> » Telegraphic 2, Party of European refugees from Paoting-fu attacked near Tien-tsin. All but nine rescued . , 32 C3 *» >» •• Telegraphic 2, Empress- Dowager said to be about to fly to Sian-fu. Russian Minister authorized to support any Chinese authority capable of maintaining order. Attitude of Her Ma- jesty's Government 32 64 To Sir C. MacDonaW Telegraphic 3, Approves his answer to Russian Minister as to attitude of Her Majesty's Government 33 65 Sir C. Scott • • May 30, Conversation with Ruisian Minister for Foreign Affairs. His optimistic view of situation .. 33 66 Sir C. MacDonald Telegraphic June 4, Church of England Mission at Yung-chin;,^ attacked. Mr. Robinson killed. Mr. Nor- man carried off. Is insisting on measures for rescue 34 67 Sir E. Monson Telegraphic 4, French Minister at Peking reports situation improved 34 68 Sir C. MacDonald .. Telegraphic 4, May be besieged at any moment, with railway and telegraph cut. Asks instructions to Commander-in-chief to consult with Com- manders of foreign squadrons for measures of relief 34 69 Admiralty ., • • s, Telegram from Commander-in-chief, reporting arrival of foreign ships and dispatcli of 75 men to Peking and 104 to Tien-tsin 34 70 Sir C. MacDonald , . Telegraphic 5, Murder of Mr. Robinson and capture of Mr. Norman. Yamen's attitude of indifference. Has demanded interview with Prince Ching 35 '1 »» » • • Telegraphic 5, Mr. Norman murdered on 2nd June. . 35 72 Consul Carles Telegraphic 5, Admiral asked to send strong reinforcements. Danger of situation intensified by inaction . 35 73 Sir E. Monson ,. « • 5, Conversation with M. Delcass6, who stated that French Minister believed danger over 35 74 Sir C. MacDonald .. Telegraphic 5, Asks that immediate instructions may be sent to Admiral ,, .. ., 3G VI TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. 75 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 b7 «8 89 90 91 92 93 94 Name. Sir C. MacDonald . . Admiralty .. Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic To Admiralty Admiralty ., To Sir C. MacDonald Date. June 5, 1900 Subject. Sir C. MacDonald .-Admiralty . . To Sir C. MacDonald To Admiralty To War OflSce Sir C. MacDonald . . j» » Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 6, 6, 7, 7. 7, 7, /, 8. 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, Yamen express regret for murder of Messrs. Robinson and Norman. They admit re- luctnnce of Government to suppress Boxers and appear powerless to remedy situation . Danger of insurrection and anarchy owing to altitude of Enjpress. Question of demand from Corps Diplomatique for special audience. Strong measures should be taken to enforce coinpliance . . Decision to postpone question of demand for audience till Saturday . . Telegram from Commander-in-chief. Has sent for " Aurora" and " Plicanix." Meeting of Senior Naval Officers to discuss situation . Asks that Commander-in-chief may be in- structed to concert with Commanders of foreign squadrons for measures of relief in case of danger at Peking or Tien-tsiu Instructions to Commander-in-chief as to measures of protection in case of danger at Peking or Tien-tsin Telegram from Commander-in-chief, asking for dispatch of troops from Hong Kong for Tien-tsin and Peking 1 elegram to Commander-in-chief, informing him of instructions to Sir C. MacDonald Informs of instructions to Commander-in-chief as to measures of protection Instructs him to take such measures as he thinks expedient. His discretion must be unfettered Approves proposal to demand audience Publication of unsatisfactory Decree justifying action of Boxers by misconduct of converts, but demanding surrender of ringleaders Telegram from Commander-in-chief suggesting his taking command of expedition to Peking, with Russian Colonel as Chief of Staff . . Instructions to Commander-in-chief to com- municate with Hong Kong as to dispatch of troops May undertake protection of Spanish Legation if so requested Considers the Senior Officer should command expedition to Peking Suggests approving Commander-in-chief's pro- posal as to command of expedition All troops that can be spared should be sent to Taku from Wei-hai Wei and Singapore besides Hong Kong Decree has produced very bad effect. Boxers drilling openly. Legation full of refugees . . Her Majesty's Consul at Tien-tsin reports withdrawal of General Nieh's force to Lutai. .Abandonment of attempt to protect Peking.. Piiue 36 36 TABLE OF CONTENTS. vii Na Sir C. MacDoiiald n »> Admiralty , . War Office.. To Sir C. VlacDonaia Date. Subject. Page Telegraphic Telegraphic To Admiralty Admiralty . Consul Caries Sir C. MaoDonald Consul Carles •» «f Admiralty . . >i Sir C. Mac Donald Admiralty . . Sir C. Scott Consul Carles Sir C. Mac Donald telegraphic 9. Pelegraphie 9, 9, 10, Telegraphic 10, Telegraphic 10 • Apr. ]G. ■• 18, Telegraphic Jane 10, Telegraphic 11, 11, ■• 11. Telegraphic 11. June 8« 8, 8, 9. 9, 19C0 Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 12. 12, 12. Telegram to Her Majesty's Charge d'ASaires at Tokid, informing him of position i Situation critical. Meeting to be held to decide question of demand for audience, and proposed intimation to be made . . Telegram to Commander-in-chief, approving proposal as to command of force . Telegram to Commander-in-chief, informing him that troops will be dispatched from Hong Kong and Straits Settlements Officers in command at Hong Kong and Singa- pore instructed to comply with demands of Admiral Admiral informed that troops from Hong Kong and Singapore will be placed at his disposal. . Concurs in proposed intimation to be made at audience . . Instructions sent to Sir G. MacDonald to pro- tect Spanish Legation if necessary . . I'elegram from Commander-in-chief, reporting landing of force owing to urgent appeal from Sir C. MacDonald . .. .. Arrangements made at meeting of Consuls and Naval Commandants for dispatch of force to Peking . . . , . . • Departure of Admiral Seymour with British, American?, Austrians, and Italians. Other detachments follow Suppression of Boxers. Further negotiations with Yamen Transmits text of Imperial Decree deprecating anti-Christian disturbances Relief of Peking. Second detachment of about 600 started . . Relief of Peking. Progress of Admiral Sey- mour's force . . . . . . , . Protection of Spanish Legation at Peking. In- structions sent . . . . . , .Admiral Seymour's force. Telegram from Consul Carles, reporting increase to Relief of Peking. Admiral Seymour's parly half way. Attack by Boxers on Legation StafiF. Summer residence of Legation de- stroyed Relief of Peking. Telegram from Admiral Seymour respecting progress of force and resistance met with .. Situation at Peking. Latest report, from Russian Minister, opinion Count Mouravieff's A further detachment of 300 men has gone on to Admiral Seymour. Total force, 2,300 . . A'ks that relief party may be informed of pos- sible resistance. Hopes Admirals will not hesitate to deplete ships . TUl TABLE or CONTENTS, No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 117 Consul Carles ., Telegraphic June 13, 1900 Admiral at Langfang this morning. Fighting yesterday 53 118 Admiralty . , . , •'• 13, Progress of relief force. Russians landing an additional force of 1 ,700 5r 119 Mr. Herbert Telegraphic 13, M. Delcasse has no news of presence of Boxers in Peking 53 120 Sir C. Scott Telegraphic 13, Count Mouravietf thinks situation more threatening in South and Central China than in North. His opinion of situation at Peking .. ., 53 121 Mr. Whitehead Telegraphic 13, Information as to Russian force landed at Taku. Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs inquires as to intentions of Her Majesty's Government, Japan ready to send a considerable force 54 122 Consul Carles Telegraprtic 13, Murder of member of Japanese Legation at Peking. Situation very grave. Delay in advance of relief force . , . . , . 54 123 General Officer Com- manding, Hong Kong, to the Secretary of State for War Telegraphic 13, Is sending troops to the Admiral, who has asked for every available man 54 124 Admiralty . . • • 13, Summary of forces now on their way to Peking 51 125 Sir 0. MacDonald .. Telegraphic 14, Is informed that 2,000 Russians have embarked at Port Arthur for Taku. Japanese Secre- tary of Jjegation killed , . 55 126 Consul Carles Telegraphic H, Sir C. MacDonald reports that Chinese Go- vernment will not oppose force coming to Peking if it does not exceed 1,200 55 127 )9 If • • Telegraphic 14, Report from Chinese tources that Empress- Dowager has resolved to destroy Legations. . 55 128 Acting Consul-Gsneral Warren Telegraphic 14, Thinks Her Majesty's Government should come to an \inderstanding with Viceroys at Hankow and Nankin. Situation serious ., 55 129 To Mr. Whitehead . . Telegraphic 14, To inform Japanese Government of applica- tion of British Admiral for troops and of numbers being sent 56 130 Admiralty to Rear- Admiral Bruce Telegraphic 16, Means for protecting life and property on the Yang-tsze should be provided .. ., 56 131 Consul Carles Telegraphic 1>, Native city of TIen-tsin in hands of Boxers. Action of Viceroy. Communication with Admiral cut off 56 132 ») »» •• Telegraphic 15, Chinese concentrating troops towards Tien- tsin and Taku, Admirals may be compelled to seize 'J'aku forts 56 133 »i )> •• Telegraphic IS, Boxers entered Peking 13th June. Many Chinese massar^red, but no casualties among Europeans . . . . . . 56 134 To Mr. Whitehead , , Telegraphic 15, Murder of Chancelier of Japanese Legation, Inquires what steps Japanese Government intend taking , . .. .. 57 135 To Acting Consul- General Warren Telegraphic 15, Protection of British interests on Yang-tsze. Authorizes him to inform Viceroy at Nan- king that he will be supported by Her Majesty's ships in maintaining order. Her Majesty's Consul to give similar assurance to Viceroy at Hankow . . 57 TABLE OF CONTENTS. IX Name. Date. To Admiralty To India Oifice (also to War Office) Admiralty .. Mr. Whitehead .'\ciiiig- Consul-Geiieral Warren To Consul Carles To Sir C. ^[acDon«ld To j\[r. Whitehead ,, Sir C. Scott Commander Gaunt to Admiralty Count Mouravieff to M. de Staal Acting Consul -General Warren Lord Pauncefote India Office Memorandum commu- nicated by Chinese Minister Admiraltv . . Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic June 13, 190C 15, 15, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16. 16, 16, 16, 17 17, 3(16). 18, 18, 18, 19. 19, Subject. [758] Proposed instructions to inform Viceroy at Tien-tsin that he may take refuge on board one of Her Miijesty's ships if necessary Protection of British interests on Yang-tMe. Asks that one of Her Majesty's ships may be sent to Nanking and Uaukow with in- structions to assure Viceroys of support . , Suggests replacing troops taken from Hong Kong by native troops from India Concurs in proposal to allow Viceroy at Tien-tsin to take refuge on board one of Her Majesty's ships ,, ,, ,, Protection of British interests on Yang-lsze. Instructions to Senior Naval Officer at Shanghae to send a sliip to Nanking and Hankow, and give assurance to Viceroys .. 1,200 Japanese troops leave '^Ist June for IJKU •» c« a« «. Disturbances at Peking on !3tli June. Murder of convf-iH and servants of Europeans Instructions to communicate with Admiral by runner and ascertain his position .. May inform Viceroy at Tien-tsin that he may take refuge on one of Her Majesty's ships . . Further negotiations with Yanien for suppres- fion of Boxers. Approves his pioceeJ- iugs ♦ Conversation with Japanese Ciiarge d' A ''aires as to policy to be followed by Her Majesty's Government .. Dispatch of force from Port Arthur. Announce- ment expected in " Official Gazette " Commander-in-chief cut off 40 miles from Peking. Decision of i^-dmirals to shell Taku ■OFlS ■» •• •• •« Dispatch of -1,000 troops ordered for protection of Russian Legation and to co-operate with other detachments. Friendly relations lo be maintained with China Her Majesty's Consul at Hankow has giren assurance to Viceroy. He will ask for assistance if necessary, but is confideut of ability of himself and Nanking Viceroy to maintain order . . . . American regiment ordered to Tien-tsin from Manila . . Government of India requested to replace regiments at Hong Ko:ig and Singapore by Indian regiments ., .. Viceroy at Hankow thanks for offer of assist- ance, but both he and Viceroy at Nanking are able to maintain order. Deprecates demonstration of British naval force .. Telegram from Officer Commanding " FnJy- inion," reporting capture ot Taku forts . , TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. 155 15G 167 158 159 160 161 162 163 1(4 165 166 167 J 68 169 170 171 172 Name. Mr. Whitehead Admiralty ,, Date. Telegraphic Admiralty to Rear- Adniiral Bruce Sir C. Scott ., Consul Carles Acting Consul-General Fraser To Admiralty Admiralty ., ,, 9t •• Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic June 19, 1900 20, 20, To Sir C. LofeDglub., To Admiralty Consul Carles .. Admiralty to Senior Naval Officer, Woo- sung Mr. Whitehead >> >> To Lord Pauiicefote , , To Acting Consul- General Warren Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 21, 21. 21, 21, 21, 22, 22, S2, 22, 22, Subject. ) ,300 additional Japanese troops to be sent . . Telegram from Officer ('ommanding " Endy- niion." Has arranged to send ship to each Treaty port. Viceroy at Nanking thinks presence of two ships sufficient. Present strength should not be reduced . . Telegrams from Rear- .Admiral Bruce. Capture of Taku forts, Nu news from Commander- in-chief. Tien-tsin cut off , . fcOO seamen and marines leave for Hong Kong. Ships on statii n will be reinforced Details as to Russian force. Count Moura- vieff txpecis communication with Peking will soon be re-established and crisis over in (ortnight Line north of Tien-tsin damaged by Boxers. Roman Catholic cathedral and Mission chapel burnt. Settlement attacked Viceroy at Hankow says he and Viceroy of Nanking are confident of maintaining order, and deprecates naval demonstration Offer of assistance to Viceroy?. Transmits Chinese Minister's Memorandum ol 19th June. Suggests instructions to avoid de- monstration . . Telegram from Rear-Admiral. Reinforce- ments urgently required at Tien-tsin. Casualties heavy. Serious situation. No reinforcements to send ., No conmiunication from Commander-in-chief for seven days, or from Tien-tsin for five days. Keliei force to start for Tien-tsin when in sufficient strength. Proclamation of Ai'mirals that force will onlv be used atraiiist Boxers and those opposing march to Peking Employes of Upp^r Yang-tsze Syndicate and Mr. l'ritchard-Mort.>an. Requests him to ask Viceroy at Hai kow to afford protec- tion. ■ »a p« ^^ ,, Concurs in opinion that strength of British naval force on Yang-tsze should not be reduced. Suggests approving dispatch of a ship to each Treaty jiort Page No news from front, at Tien-isin . . Account of operations Instructions to avoid demonstration on Yan;- Isze, but to promise co-operation with Viceroys when required Ships chartered by ,Ja|>an as transports, iS:c. No intention to send more troops at present . To inform Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs of critical situation and of dispatch of troops fiom India, and to ask whether Japan does not intend to send further troops.. To suggest dispatcii of troops from Manila . . To inform Viceroy he may count on fullest support of He' Majesty's ships . . TABLE OF CONTENTS. XI No. 173 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 186 187 188 189 ISO Name. To Consul Scott 174 To Sir C. MacDonald To Mr. Herbert To M. Cambon Sir C. Lofengluh Lord Paiincefote i» >» Mr. Whitehead )) i> Telegraphic Date. Admiralty Consul Scott 184 1S5 Sir C. Jicott Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Kear-Admiral Bruce Telegraphic to Admiralty Telegraphic To Sir C. Scott » »> To Mr. Wliitehead . . Telegraphic Telegraphic [758J June 22, lyoO 22, i2, 22, 22, 'i3, 23, 23, 23, 24, 24, 24, 24, 17, 24, 25, 25, 26, Subject. I'agt Li Hiing-chang's departure from Canton. Chinese Minister informed that if Taku forts fired without orders state of war did not exist and Li Hung-chang was strongly advised to go to Ptking .. ., Li Huug-chaug's departure frcm Canton Ques-tinii of existence of state of war. Con versation with Chinese Minister ,. Li Hung-cliang's departure from Canton Quesiun of existence of state of war. (on versation with French Ambassador Li Hung-chang's departur» from Canton Question of existence of state of war .Answer given to Li Hung-chang Employes of Upper Yagg-tsze Syndicate. find .Mr. I'ritchard-Morgan. Has telegraphed to Viceroy as ('esired . . . Further troops to be sent from Manila. Uniteil States' (ioverninent do not consider state of war to exist . . Viceroy of Nanking reports safety of Ministers 2'Jnd June At meeting of foreign Representative^, Minister for Foreign Affairs inquired what measures Governments proposed to take to meet grave situation . . , . . , Minister for Foreign Affairs promised to sub- mit request for further troops to Cabinet Telegram from Rear- Admiral. Allied Admirals working in perfect accord. Attempt l)y Russians and Americans to relieve Tien-tsin repulsed. Number of troops landed Li Hung-chang has asked for definite instruc- tions as to going to Peking. He will re- main unless summoned . . Has applied for gun-boat for Canton . , Russian Government do not consider that state of war exists . Decision to attack Taku forts. Legations reported to have been attacked. I'rince Tuan at head of Boxers .. ,. ,. Peking re'ief force amounts to ?,000. Tien- tsin fighting for its life, iieasons for attack on Taku forts. Will make Wei-hai Wei base liospital . . . . . , . , Will Russian Government approve dispatch of 20,000 to 30,000 Japanese troops ? To point out that Her Majesty's Government a«8uuie Russia will s<»nd reinforcements, and that 10,000 troops are being sent from India, but will not arrive in time to effect rescue Conversation with Japanese Charge d' Affaires. Intentions of his Government as to dispatch of further force • • b 2 xu TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. Subject. Page 191 To Viscount Ciough .. Telegraphic June 26, 1900 Hopes German Emperor will concur in wish to procure assurance that dispalcii of .Japanese force will not lead to complications, and will help in obtaining it .. 75 192 Acting Consul-General Warren Telegraphic 2G, Governor of Shantung reports Ministers safe up to 20th June 7e 193 Mr. Whitehead Telegraphic 2«, Decision to mobilize one division which will bring up Japanese force to 13,000 men. Transports available at any moment 7C 194 Sir C. Lofengluh . , • • 26, Viceroy of Szochuen requested to protect employes of Upper Yang-tsze Syndicate and of Mr. I'ritchard-Morgan. Viceroys at Nan- king and Hankow- assure protection of all foreigners and native Christians ,, ,. 76 195 »»>»•• • • 26, Telegram from Viceroy of Huquang, urging that Naval Commanders may be instructed to remain on defensive until Li Hung-chang reaches Peking for fear of aggravating situation 7e 196 9i If •• • ft 2P, Names of Viceroys and Governors of provinces who agree to views in above telegram 77 197 Rear-Admiral Bruce to Admiralty Telegraphic 26, Tien-tsin communicated with and reinforced 23rd June. Commander-in-chief reported 10 miles from Tien-tsin. Details as to force landed 78 198 To Sir C. MatDonald • • 26, Telegram from Viceroy of Huquang communi- cated by Chinese Minister (see No. 195). Chinese Minister informed that a written assurance of safety of Her Majesty's Minister and Sir E. Seymour would cause cessation of hostilities .. .. . .. 78 ir9 Acting Consul-Geceral Warre» Telegraphic 27, Suggestion of Viceroy and Consuls that Powers should declare neutral districts except those north of where fighiing is going on. Consuls replied by Admirals' Proclamation of 2Cth June 79 COO Consul Carles .. Telegraphic 27, Details as to troops arrived at Tien-tsin .. 70 201 1' n • • Telegraphic 27, Heavy firing heard near Pe'-tsang, 9 miles from Tien-tsin. Legations ordered to leave I'eking 80 202 Sir C. Scott Telegraphic 27, Expects reply from Russian Government as to Japanese force scon fO 2C3 Sir E. Mon^on Telegraphic 27, M. Delcas>6 has no statement to offer for information of Japan except declarations already made in Chamber .. 60 204 To Acting Consul- General Warren Telegraphic 27, Approves reply to Taotai «s to proposed declaration ot neutrality of districts south of where fighting is going on 80 203 To Sir C. Lofeugluh., • • 27. Employes of Upper Yang-tsze Syndicate and Mr. Pritcharil - Morgan. Acknowledges receipt of note, and thanks for his action . . 80 206 Consul Cai-Ies Telegraphic 24, Commander-in chief being bombarded in ar- senal north of Tien-tsin. Relief urgently required. Force starts at once. British casualties at Tien-tsin. Damage to Settle- ments slight .. 81 207 Admiralty to Rear- Admiral Bruce Telegraphic 29, Proposal to make Wei-hai Wei base for troops. Ships with stores to call at Hong Kong 81 TABLE OF CONTENTS. XIll Name. Sir C. Scott »i >t >» )> Acting Oonsul-General Warren Mr. Whitehead Consul Scott To Sir C. MncDonald Count LamsdorfT to M. de Staal Viscount Gounh ,. Consul Carles ., Vice- Admiral Sir E. Seymour to Admi- ralty Consul Carles Consul TratiJian Acting Consul-General Warren Admiralty . .. Viscount Gough Telegraphic Felegraphic rdegraphic relegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Date. June 28, 1900 28, 28, 28, 23, 28, 28, 28, Telegraphic 15 (28), Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Acting Consul-General iTelegraphic Warren » >» I'elegraphic 29, 29, 29, 29, 29, 29, July 1, 1, 1, 1, Subject. Russian Admiral reports entrance of relief force into Tien-tsin.. ,, ,, ,, Russian Admiral reports relief of Admiral Seymour's force .. .. ,, Reply of Russia to Japan as to proposed dispatch of further force ., ,, Her Majesty's Consul at Chungking has de- tained steam-ship " Pioneer " as means of escape for women and children .. ,. Viceroy at Nanking has received Imperial Rescript, dated 25th June, stating that the Legations continue to receive protection . , Division now mobilized will shortly be em- barked Li Hung-cl.ang has received Imperial Edict ordering him to remain at Canton ., Li HuDg-chang has requested Chinese Minister to state that the foreign Representatives were safe at Pei-»sang, 16 miles north of Tien- tsin, % •• •« aa •• Reply made to Japan as to proposed dispatch of further force ., ,. ,« German Government has not yet replied as to proposed dispatch of further Japanese force.. ' Customs Taotai reports Legations stiil safe . . Reports return of his force to Tien-tsin. Ac- count of fightinff Su Telegraphic 2, Ask whether German tTOvernment would agree to a collective warning to Peking authorities if any act of violence is committed against Legations 90 285 To Mr. Whitehead . . Telegraphic 2. Ask Japanese Government whether they intend to take any additional measures . . 90 236 Viscount Gough • 1, Proposal that Japan should send an expedition of 20,000 to S0,000 men. Keply of (German Government . . 91 237 » ') • ' Telegraphic 3, German reinforecements for China, blmperor's speech to . . 92 238 Sir C. Scott Telegraphic 3, Proposed Japanese expedition. Replies of Russian and German Governments. Con- versation with German Ambassador 92 239 » »i Telegraphic 2- Count LamsdorflF thinks only thing to be done is to try and rescue Legations and leave con- flagration to burn itself out 92 240 Acting Consul-General Warran Telegraphic 3, Decree sent from Peking praising Boxers. Viceroys and Governors consider Prince Tuan a rebel, and have decideil not to obey orders from Peking 93 241 Sir C Scott •• June 29, Proposed .lapanese expedition. Russian reply respecting. They have uo official news of Legiitions 93 242 Consul Carles Telegraphic 29, Mes.sage from Sir R. Hart of 24th Jane. ''Situation desperate. Make haste " 95 243 » »i Telegraphic • • Messenger who brought above says two or three Legations remain standing. German Minister murdered ,. .. ,, 95 244 i Viceroy of Nanking to Chinese IVTiniater Telegraphic July 3, Viceroys at Nanking and Hankow undertake responsibility for foreign life and property so long as Powers do not land troops 95 245 i Vice- Admiral Sir E. Seymour to Admi- ralty Telegraphic 3, Situation at Peking on 'i-lth June. Europeans in British Legation have provisions, but ammunition scarce. All agreed no advance on Peking possible yet .. ,, ,, 95 TABLE or CONTENTS. iTX N^ii.e. Sir C. Scott Sir E. Monson Mr. Whitehead Acting Con sul-General Warren To Acting Consul- General Warren To Mr. Whitehead .. Brigadier - General Dorward to the Secretary of State lor War Vice- Admiral Sir E. Seymour to Admi- ralty Viscount Gough . To Acting Consul- Geueral Warren 1) » To Lord Currie Mr. Whitehead Acting Consul-Ganeral Warren Date. Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Felegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic felegraphic Pelegraphic I'elegraphic Telegraphic Telegraphic July 4, 1900 4, 4, 4, 4. 5, 6, 6, 5, 6, 5. 5, Subject. Conversation with Count Lamsilorff on situa- tion. His Excellency would welcome a Japanese force of 20,000 or 3'>,000 men to co-operate in common aim Proposal of French Government for a collective warning to authorities at Peking . . Question of Japanese force for China (see No. 235) communicated to Viscount Aoki, who will submit it to the Prime Minister. Views of his Excellency as to an advance on Peking . . Proposal to assure the Viceroys of Nanking and Hankow of the support of Her Majesty's Government in resisting the Boxers. Pro- posal to send a gun-boat to Chungking Position of Peking Legations. Message from the Governor of Shantung to Sheng Taotai, stating they were holding out on 27th t June . . , , . . • . . Instructions to report as to number and dis- tribution of foreigners on the Yang-tsze Situation at Tientsin. Repeats No. 245 for communication to Japanese Government, with a view to their sending reinforcements , , Situation at Tien-tsin. Consular Body has handed over control to the military authorities. Description of military situation. 26,000 men will be necessary for advance on Peking Decision to attack Tien-tsin city and the re- maining arsenal on 3rd July. 40,000 troops required for an advance on Peking. Num- bers ol international forces now in Tien- tsin Proposed declaration that all the authorities at Peking will be held responsible for the safety of foreigners there. German Government are prepared to join Detention of steam-ship " Pioneer " by Her Majesty's Consul at Chungking is approved by Her Majesty's Government .. Responsibility of Government at Peking for safety of foreigners there. To inform proper Chinese authorities of the Memo- randum communicated to the Chinese Minister in London .. .. Removal of Europeans from Chungking. Her Majesty's Consul at Chungking to be ii:i- formed he must use his discretion Appreciation by Her Majesty's Government of desire of Italian Government to co-operate in China by sending a regiment . . Exchange of views between the Powers as to joint measures to be taken. Text of Memo- randum commimicated by Viscount Aoki. Attitude of Japanese Government as to the question of tlieir sending large force .. Necessity of sending force to assist Viceroys to keep Older in Central and South China . . Page 96 96 97 97 97 97 9» 9a 99 9» 9) 99 ICQ ICO 100 101 XVI TABLE OF CONTENTS. No. Name. Date. SuBJKcr. Page 2C2 Acting Consiil-General Warren Telegraphic July 6. 1900 Details as to number of Europeans at the Yang-tsze ports, and their means of com- munication with Shanghae . . . . 101 2C3 Viscoui t Gough . , Telegraphic 6, Responsibility of Peking authorities for safety of Europeans there. German Governm«!nt mean to send notice through Sheng Taotai . . 101 264 Sir H. Rumbold Telegraphic 6, Austro-Hungarian Government has agreed to French proposal for collective warning to Ptkiiiij authorities as to their responsibility for the safety of foreigners 101 265 To Mr. Whitehead . . Telegraphic 6, Japanese troops for China. Responsibility of Japan in regard to taking immediate measures for the relief of the Peking Ijogalions. Offer of financial assistance 102 266 ti » • • Telegraphic 6, Japanese troops for China. International negotiations would cause a fatal expenditure of time , . . . . . • • 102 267 Mr. Whitehead Telegraphic 6, Japanese reinforcements for China will be sent, so as to make up a total of 20,030 102 ^68 To Sir E, Monscn .. Telegraphic 6. Japanese troops for China. To inform French Government of suggestion made by Her Majesty's Government to Japan . . 102 .269 To Sir C. Scott Telegraphic 6, Japanese troops for China. To inform llissian Government of suggestion made by Her Majesty's Government to Japan .. 102 27C To Acting Consul- General Warren Telegraphic 6, British force en the Yang-tsze. Inquires as to the attitude of the Viceroys of Nanking and Hankow .. 103 271 »» »' Telegraphic 6, Assistance to Yang-tsze Viceroys by Her Majesty's Government in resisting the Boxers. Authorizes giving the assurances suggested .. ,. .. .. 103 272 Admiralty to Senior Naval Officer, Woo- sung Telegraphic 6, ^Protection of Austro-Hungarian Consulate at Shanghae. Instructions to afford 103 £78 Sir C. MacDonald .. • • May 21, Boxer movement. Further meetings of Diplo- matic Body. Correspondence with Yaraen. Representations of Bishop Favier. Sir C. MacDonald's opinion on situation 103 274 1 i >« f* • • • • 29, Boxer movement. Forwards reply of Yamen to doyen of Diplomatic Body. Meeting of foreign Representatives. Question of send- ing for guards. Prince Cli'ing offers to undertake protection of foreigners 110 275 Sir C. Lofengluh .. • • July 11, Forwards telegram from Emperor of China to the Queen, dated 3rd July 113 276 Mr. Whitehead Telegraphic 15, Lieutenant-General Teranchi is being sent to confer with Admiral Seymour and Admiral Alexieff 114 277 Sir C. Lofengluh • • 13 Translation of Imperial Edict of 29th June res^pecting situation, and orders given for protection of Legations 114 Corrospondeiico respecting the Insurrectionaiy JMovement in China. No. 1. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received January 4.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, January i, 1900, IT is with great regret that I rej^ort to your Lordship the murder hy a band of anti-Christian rebels of the English missionary Brooks near the town of Pei Ch'eng, in Shantung Province, where he was travelling. The other members of the mission are safe. The part of China where the murder took place is very disturbed, and I and my French, American, and German colleagues have been making strong representations, No. 2. , Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received January 5.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, January 5, 1900. 1 MUllDEE of Mr. Brooks : My telegram of yesterday. I have to-day received a special message from the Throne, brought by one of tho Grand Secretaries, expressing profound regret on the part of tho Empel-or and Dowager-Empress at the death of Mr. Brooks. The capture and punishment of the offenders has been forcibly insisted upon iu instructions issued by telegram. No. 3. Sir Chihchen Jjofengluh to the Marquess of Salisbury. — [Received January 1 1.) My Lord Marquis, Chinese Legation, January 10, 1900. I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that I have received a telegram from the Tsimg-li Yam^n, instructing me to acquaint you of the death of a British subject in the Province of Shantung under circumstances that have e.xcited the horror and the indig- nation of tlie Imperial Govevnment. On the 1st of the present month the Tsung-li Yamen received a telegram from Yiien Shih-kai, the Governor of Shantung, acquainting them that an English missionary of the name of Brooks had, whilst travelling in the district of Feichen, in that province, been grievously maltreated by brigands, and afterwards had been carried off by them. On learning this, the Yam6n immediately telegraphed to the Governor, instructing him to lose no time in following up the brigands and rescuing Mr. Brooks; but b/ a subsequent teiegram which they received from Governor Yiieu, they learned with dismay that the robbers had put the unfortunate missionary to death. Incensed at this deplorable event, their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and the Empress-Dowager have commanded that all the officials within whose jurisdiction the outrage was committed be disgraced by being deprived of their rank and honours until such time as they shall have succeeded in arresting the guilty parties, and a prescribed period has been allowed them within which to effect their capture. In making the above connnunication, I am to present to your Lordship, on behalf of the imperial Government, the expression of their profound regret at the lamentable occur- [758] B rence, also the assurance that no efforts will be spared by them to bring the parties concerned in the comrnittal of the outrage to condign punishment. ' '.''.'■'■'• I have, &c, _;■; ■ ■ '" (Signed) LOFl^NGLUH. No. 4.. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — [Received January 13.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, January 13, 1900. WITH refei'encc to my telegram of 5tli January to your Lordship, I have the lionour to report that three of the murderers of Mr. Bi-ooks have becu taken and confessed their guilt. They are now awaiting their trial at the capital of the pro- vince, and I have directed Mr. Campbell, Vice-Oonsul in Bhanghao, to jn'oceed thither in order to be present when they arc tried. No, 5. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir Chilichen LofSngluh. Sir, Foreign Office, Junuiry 17, 1900, I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 10th instant, informing me of the murder of Mr. Brooks, an English missionary, in the Province of Shantung, and of the orders which have been issued by the Chinese Government for the arrest and punishment of the guilty persons. I have to thank you for your comiuunication. I have heard with satisfaction of the prompt action taken by your Government in this matter, and I trust that Her Majesty's Govc^riunent may shortly be informed tlmt the perpetrators of the outrage have been brought to justice. I have, &c. (Signed) SALISBUllY. N(r. G. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Receive J January 20, 1900.) My Lord, Peking, December 7, 1899. AT the request of the .Munici! al Council of Ticn-tsin, supported by y reason of tlie missionary disorders, and the United States' Minister had I'ormally requested that he be never re-employed. No. 17. Sir E. Monson to the Marquess of Salisburi/. — (Received March 17.) My Lord, Paris, March 16, 1900. WITH reference to my despatch of the 13th instant respecting the apprehension of the Representatives of England, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States in China, and their views as to the necessity of a naval demonstration on the part of the five PoAACrs, I have the honour to state that M. Uelcasse informed me the day before yesterday that he had telegraphed to Peking for more precise information. I told him that I was glad to hear that no precipitate action Avas going to be taken by France, and that I believed that he Avould find that the United States' Government would Iw disinclined to associate themselves Avith any joint naval demonstration. I added that, although I had no instructions to say so, I expected that Her Majesty's Government would also adhere to their usual policy of proceeding with great caution, and would be in no hurry to take a stop which only urgent necessity would vcndoj' advisable, I have, &c. (Signed) EDMUND MONSON. No. 18. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Bahshury. — {Received March 19.) My Lord, Peking, January 17, 1900. IN continuation of my despatch of the oth instant on the subject of the murder of Mr. Brooks and the disturbed state of the north-western part of the Province of Shantung, I have the honour to report upon my further representations to the Tsung-li Yamen in the matter. The members of the Church of England Mission in that district were stationed at two towns: Mr. Brooks and Mr. Matthews at Ping Yin, and Messrs, Brown and Jones at T'ai An. Bishop Scott having telegraphed to Mr. Brown to inquire as to the state of affairs, received on the 9tli instant a reply as follows : — " Outlook very black ; daily marauding ; constant danger ; Edict suppressing published ; troops present, but useless ; ofiicials complete inaction T'ai An Prefect blocks ; secret orders from Throne to encourage." This telegram represented the missionaries' idea of the situation on the 7th instant, and allowing for some exaggeration on the part of their informants, probably Chinese adherents of their Church, gave a very unfavourable picture of the conduct of the local officials. On the 11th instant I saw the Ministers of the Tsung-li Yamen, and spoke to them in terms of the gravest warning. While I could not believe it possible, I said, that tlie rumours of secret orders from the Throne were true, the mere fact of the currency of such rumours sliowed the impression which the conduct of the Prefect conveyed to the l)ublic. So nuich Avas 1 impressed by this, that I had come to-day especially to protesi against the behaviour of the Shantung officials. The whole of the present difficulty cou'd be traced to tlie attitude of the late Governor of Shantung, Yii Hsien, who secretly encouraged the seditious Society known as "the Boxers." I had again and again pointed out to the Ministers that until China dealt with the high authorities in such cases tbcEe outrages would not cease. I asked the Ministers to telegraph to the new Governor Yiian that I had called at the Yamen that day to complain of the conduct of the Prefect of T'ai An. The Ministers attempted to excuse the ineitia of the local officials on the plea that . their difficulties were very great. 'J'he primary cause of the trouble was the bad feeiiug existing between the converts and the ordinary natives. This had developed until bands of marauders had formed, who harassed Christians and other natives alike. The local officials had hitherto not had sufficient force to cope with so widespread a rising, but now that Yiian and his troops had been sent to the province they hoped for the speedy restoration of order. 1 impressed upon the Ministeis in the most emphatic manner my view of the gravity of the stuation. 'J'he Im])erial Edict expressing sorrow lor what had occurred and enjoining strong measures was satisfactory so far as it, went; but Her Majesty's Government required sometliing more than mere Avords, and would now await actior. on the part of the Chinese Government in conformity with their promises. The negotiations, I said, with regard to this case were only beginning, and (turning to the Yamen Secre- taries, who were present taking notes) I requested that my words might be carefully recorded for submission to the Throne, and continued: "Whether these negotiations take a friendly line or the reverse depends entirely upon the behaviour of the loca. authorities and the manner in which they carry out the comnumds of the Emperor as expressed in the Edict." On the 9th instant I had received a note from the Tsung-li Yamen announcing the receipt of a telegram from Governor Yiian to the etVect that three of the murderers had already been captured, that they had confessed their guilt, and had been taken to Chinan-fii, the provincial cspital. The Ministers informed me that they had received another telegram from the Governor referring to tlie rules for international cases drawn up in 187G, which provide that the Consul of the nation concerned sIkvU be present at 9 the trial of Chinese offenders in such cases. The Governor suggested that to save time one of the missionaries on the spot might be authorized to he present instead of a Consul,' I told the Ministers that I would consider the question, and let them have an early notice of my decision. in view of the importance of the case, 1 subsequently decided to send Mr. C. W. Campbell, Her Majesty's Vice-Consul at Shanghae, to Shantung to confer with the Governor, to be pro5-ent at the trial of the murderers, and to see that proper measures were taken by the Provincial authorities for the restoration of order in the district. I informed the Tsung-li Yamen of my intention on the 12th instant, and instructed Mr. Camp])ell by telegraph to proceed to Chinan-fii as soon as possible. I inclose translation of an Imperial Decree issued on the 11th January, which is regarded in some quarters with misgiving. It seems liable to be read as modifying the severity of the Decree of the 5th January on this case, and to be construed as admitting the possibility of excuse for such Societies as the " Boxers." But in view of the divergence of opinion as to its effects, I have not thought it expedient as yet to make any remarks on the subject to tiie Tsung-li Yamen. If the promises of the first Edict be not faithfully fulfilled, I may then use it as a proof of want of sincerity on the part of the Chinese Government, who continually nullify their fair promises — which, however, are no more than their plain and bonnden duty — by subsequent obstruction. I have, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. Inclosure in No. 18. Imperial Decree, dated January 11 , 1900. (Translation.) OF late in all the provinces brigandage has become daily more prevalent, and missionary cases have recurred with frequency. Most critics point to seditious Societies* as the cause, and ask for rigorous suppression and punishment of these. But reflection shows that Societies are of different kinds. When worthless vagabonds form themselves into bands and s«orn confederacies, and relying on their numbers create disturbances, the law can show absolutely no leniency to them. On the other hand, when peaceful and law-abiding people practise their skill in mechanical arts for the self-preservation of themselves and their families, or when they combine in village communities for the mutual protection of the rural population, this is in accordance with the public-spirited principle (enjoined by Mencius) of "keeping mutual watch and giving mutual help." Some local authorities, when a case arises, do not regard this distinction, but, listening to false and idle rumours, regard all alike as seditious Societies, and involve all in one indiscriminate slaughter. The result is that no distinction being made between the good and the evil, men's minds are thrown into fear and doubt. This is, indeed, "adding fuel to stop a fire" "driving fish to the deep part of the pool to catch them." It means, not that the people are disorderly, but that the administration is bad. The profound compassion and unbounded favour of our dynasty have blessed the country for over 200 years ; the people eat our produce and tread our soil ; they have natural goodness implanted in them ; how can they, of their own free will, come to adopt bandit ways, and bring down punishment upon themselves ? The essential thing is that the Viceroys and Governors of the provinces should select officers worthy of confidence, who should rule their districts well, and give rest to their people. When litigation arises between converts and people, it should be dealt with according to justice, without the slightest partiality for either side. Such conduct serves as a matter of course to fulfil the people's trustful hopes, and to quiet popular feeling in time of trouble, changing serious affairs to trifles, and causing trifling ones to disappear. The stability of the country's institutions and the consolidation of international relations alike depend on this. The Viccruysiind Governors of the provinces have received the fullest and weightiest marks of our favour. If they offer their united services in these critical times, they must be able to carry into effect tlic determination of the Throne to treat the masses with paternal kindness, and to re £;ard all men with equal benevolence. Let them give strict orders to [758] ^ C 10 the local authorities, that in dealing- with cases of this kind they should only inquire whether so and so is or is not guilty of rebellion, whether he has or has not stirred up strife, and should not consider whether he belongs to a Society or not, whether he is or not an adherent of a religion. As for our common people, let them give thought to the protection and security of their native places, their persons, and their homes. Let them not give ear to those who would unsettle their minds and so bring upon themselves calamities and military operations. Nor let them on the other hand presume upon influence and authority to oppress their fellow-villagers. In this way it is our earnest hope that the hamlets will be at peace, and that thus we may be relieved of our anxious care by day and night. Let this Decree be published abroad. No. 19. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received March 19.) My Lord, Peking, January 16, 1900. IN my despatch ot the 5th January, in which I reported the deplorable murder of Mr. Brooks in Northern Shantung, I drew your Lordship's attention to serious dis- turbance in the neighbouring Province of Chihli, brought about by riotous proceedings of the same Society of " Boxers,'' at whose hands Mr. Brooks met with his death. Her Majesty's Consul at Tien-tsin, the residence of the Viceroy of the Chihli Province, had kept me fully informed of the state of affairs in the southern part of the province, and, as stated in my despatch quoted above, had frequently complained to the Viceroy of the inadequacy of the protection afforded to British life and property in the districts affected by the disturbances. In consequence of these complaints and of my own urgent representations to the Tsung-li Yainen, guards ot soldiers had been stationed for the protection of the various missionary establishments. Although these measures served to protect the European missionaries them^selves, and their own Mission premises, reports from the disturbed districts showed that the native Christian converts were being persecuted and harried in a very cruel manner by the "Boxers." Thinking that perhaps a personal interview with the Viceroy might be useful in putting a stop to a state of affairs which, if allowed to continue, would lead to the gravest results, I proceeded to Tien-tsin on Saturday, the 6th instant. The Viceroy was away on a tour of inspection in the disturbed districts when I arrived, but returned on the 8th instant, and received me an hour after his return. His Excellency seemed to be fully alive to the gravity of the situation, but told me that the difficulty in dealing with the " Boxers " lay in the fact that they were composed of small bands of peasantry, some twenty or thirty in each band. On the approach of the soldiers these bands dispersed, and the peasants returned to peaceful pursuits. Within the last ten days two bands had been caught in flagrante delicto, and had been severely dealt \tith — ■ a number killed, and two Chiefs executed. I pointed out to his Excellency that it was not the killing of a few misguided peasantry that would put a stop to these riotous and disgraceful proceedings, but the severe punish- ment of the local officials, who were the real people to blame. His Excellency told me that four Magistrates had been dismissed, and new ones appointed ; these latter he had Been himself, and had impressed upon them the absolute necessity of suppressing these disturbances with energy and promptness. He further told me that he was in daily telegraphic communication with Yuan Shih-k'ai, the Governor of the neighbouring Province of Shantung, with a view to concerted movements of their respective troops, in order to surround the rioters and prevent the disturbances from spreading. I am of opinion that the Viceroy is very earnest in his desire to restore order and punish the evil-doers. The latter, however, have many secret supporters among the local gentry. By latest accounts the state of affairs is improving, the local officials are acting with commendable energy, and the Christian converts are returning to their homes from which they had been driven by the rioters. I have, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. 11 No. 20. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received March 23.) (Telegraijliic.) Peking, March 23, 1900. THE Tsimg-li Yamen have not yet replied to the further uote addressed to them hy the four Representatives ; when they do, it will probably be to refuse our request. From Mr. Campbell in Shantung I learn by telegraph that whereas the Governor shows energy and is willing, the policy of the other officials is obstruction ; further, that in the western portion of the province fresh disturbances have arisen. With reference to my telegram of the 10th and your Lordship's of the 11th instant, I learn that the Government of the United States have ordered one ship-of-Avar to go to Talcu for the purpose of protecting American interests, that the Italian Minister has been given the disposal of two ships, and the German Minister has the use of the squadron at Kiao-chau for the same purpose. With a view to protect British missionary as well as other interests, which are far in excess of those of other Powers, I would respectfully request that two of Her Majesty's ships be sent to Taku. No. 21. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. MacDonald. Sir, Foreign Office, March 24, 1900. I HAVE received your despatch of the 16th January, reporting an interview which you had Avith the Viceroy of Cliihli at Tien-tsin, relative to the disturbed condition of that province. I approve your action as reported in that despatch. I am, &c. (Signed) SALISBURY. No. 22. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. MacDonald. Sir, Foreign Office, March 24, 1900. I HAVE received your despatch of the 17th January, reporting on your further representations to the Tsung-li Yamen relative to the murder of Mr. Brooks and the disturbed state of the north-western part of the Province of Shantimg. Your proceedings in the matter are approved by Uer Majesty's Government. I am, &c. (Signed) SALISBURY. No. 23. Foreign Office to Admiralty. Sir, Foreign Office, March 24, 1900. I AM directed by the Marquess of Salisbury to transmit to you, to be laid before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, copies of telegraphic correspondence with Her Majesty's Minister at Peking,* relative to the disturbed state of the Provinces of Shantung and Pechili, and the demand made by him, in conjunction with the Representatives of America, France, Germany, and Italy, for the suppression of anti-foreign secret societies. Sir C. MacDonald requests that two ships may be sent to Taku for the protection of British missionary and other interests, and I am to request that their Lordships * Nos. 1], 12, and 20. [758] 2 12 will, if they see no objection, instruct the Commander-in-chief on the China Station to comply with Sir C. Mac Donald's application. I am, &c. (Signed) FRA^^^CIS BERTIE. No. 24. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. MacDonald. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, March 25, 1900. DISTURBANCES in Shantung and Pechili : your telegram of the 23rd instant. Orders have been issued by the Admiralty for Her Majesty's ships " Hermione " and " Brisk " to ])roceed to Taku. No, 25. Sir F. Lascelles to the Marquess of Salisbury. -^(Received March 26.) M,'- Lord, Berlin, March 22, U)00. THE " Post'' of the 20th Marcdi reproduces in its evening issue a protest made by the " Ost Asiatisches Lloyd " apainst the attitude of certain organs of the English and Chinese press that have circulated the most incredible rumours about events in Cliina of a nature to make people in Europe believe that China is either on the threshold of a revolution or of a general collapse of her system of government. "One could laugh l.eartily," the East Asian paper says, "over the whole affair, were it not that the question has unfortunately a most serious side to it. The reports which even the most respectable papers have published during the last few weeks have made a deep impression which will not bo easily removed upon the Chinese population, and more especially among traders, who naturally know little about the dynastic and political conditions of their country, but who place implicit confidence in the statements of Europeans. "The wild talcs that are telegraphed to Europe and America must influence the value of Chinese stock, but more especially the confidence of the home market in Chinese affairs. " Do the English press organs realize the result of their attitude ?" " Thus," adds the " Post," " English newspapers recently announced to the world the sensational news of the dethronement of Huang-fu, a report which the world endea- voured to better by adding that perhaps the Emperor had committed suicide. Confi- derce in the stability of the present state of things in China is naturally seriously shaken by such rumours, the effect of which is already making itself sufficiently felt in the Far East." I have, &c. (Signed) FRANK C. LASCELLES. ^0. 26. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received March 29.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, March 29, 1900. WITH reference to the murder of Mr. Brooks, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that five prisoner's have now been found guilty after four days' trial in the presence of Mr. Consul Campliell and two missiouaries. One Avas shown to have beheaded and killed the victim while the other four were accessories and culpable in various degrees. Two of the prisoners have been sentenced to death, the third to imprisonment for life, another to imprisonment for ten years, and the fifth to banish- ment for two years. A sum of 7,500 taels has been paid for the cost of l)uilding a memorial chapel, 1,500 taels for a memorial at the college at Canterbury to which deceased belonged, and a further sum of 500 taels for the erection of a tablet on the scene of the murder. 'ilie District Magistrate of Fei Ch'eng where the murder took place has been dismissed, and he has further been denounced to the throne. 13 As the muvder did not take place within the jurisdiction of the two neiglihonring Magistrates, the Yamen refused to punish them, although they are equally culpahle. I have accordingly informed the Yamen that for this reason I consider that the result of the trial is unsatisfactory, and that I would report to your Lordship in this sense. Yii Hsien, the late Governor of the province, who has recently heen appointed Governor of Sliansi, is the principal culprit, and we cannot well insist on the punish- ment of minor officials, who practically acted under his orders, unless this man is first punished. No. 27. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — [Received April 2.) Mv Lord, Peking, January 31, 1900. IN mv despatch of the 5th instant 1 descrihed the disturbed state of the northern part of the Province of Shantung and the southern part of the Province of Chih-H, and inciosed translation of a satisfactory Imperial Decree, issued on the 5th January, in connection with the murder of the Rev. S. M. Broolis. On the )7th instant, in my despatch of that date, I forwarded translation of a second Dtcice, dated the 11th January, dealing with anti- Christian disturbances, and stated that it was viewed with some misgivings, as liable to encourage the members of such Societies as the " Boxers." Subsequent reports received by uie and my American, French, and German colleagues from foreign missionaries resident in the affected region confirmed these first apprehensions. On the 25th I conferred at this Legation with the Representatives of the three Powers above mentioned, and it was decided to address an identic note to the Tsung-li Yamin, setting forth the unfortunate impression to which the Decree of the 11th January had given rise, and requesting the issue of a Decree suppressing the offending Societies by name. I inclose copy of this note, dated the 27th instant. It had not been understood that there were also Italian missionaries in the districts in question, and the Italian Alinister bad not, therefore, been invited to the Conference. He has, however, sent to the Yamen an identic note. The name of the Society given in the note as "The Fist of Righteous Harmony " is the saiiie as the " Boxers." The latter name was given in the first instance, either by missionaries or newspapers, but does not convey the meaning of the Chinese words. The idea underlying the name is that the members of the Society will unite to uphold the cause of rii^hteousness, if necessary by force. I have, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. Inclosure in No. 27. Sir C. MacDonald to the Tsung-li Yamen. MM. les Ministres, Pelcing, January 27, 1900. WITHIN the last few weeks I have had occasion to address your Highness and your Excellencies both by letter and personally with regard to the deplorable state of affairs which exists in northern Shantung and in the centre and south of Chih-li. This state of affairs, which is a disgrace to any civilized country, has been brought about by the liotous and lawless behaviour of certain ruffians who have banded themselves together into two Societies, termed respectively the " Fist of Righteous Harmony " and the " Big Sword Society," and by the apathy, and in some instances actual connivance and encouragement ol these Societies by the local officials. The members of these Societies go about pillaging the homes ol Christian converts, breaking down their chapels, robbing and ill-treating inoffensive women and children, and it is a fact, to which 1 would draw the special attention of your Highness and your Excellencies, that on the banners which arc carried by these riotous and lawless people are inscribed the words. " Exterminate the Foreigners." On the 11th January an Imperial Decree was issued drawing a distinction between good and bad Societies. The wording of this Decree has unfortunately given rise to a 14 widespread impression that such Associations as the " Fist of Righteous Harmony " ann the "Big Sword Society'' are regarded with favouV by the Chinese Government, and their members have openly expressed their gratification and have been encouraged by the Decree to continue to carry on their outrages against the Christian converts. I cannot for a moment suppose that such was the intention of this Decree. These Societies are, as I have sliown, of a most pernicious and rebellious character. T earnestly beg to draw the serious attention of the Throne to the circumstances above described : the disorders have not reached such a stage that they cannot be stamped out by prompt and energetic action ; but if such action be not immediiitely taken, the rioters will be encouraged to think that they have the support of the Grovernment and proceed to graver crimes, thereby seriously endangering international relations. As a preliminary measure, and one to which I attach the greatest importance, 1 have to beg that an Imperial Decree be published and promulgated, ordering by name the complete suppression and abolition of the "Fist of Righteous Harmony" and the "Big Sword Societies," and I request that it may be distinctly stated in the Decree that to belong to either of these Societies, or to harbour any of its members, is a criminal offence against the laws of China. I avail, &c. (Unsigned.) No. 28. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received April 2.) My Lord, Peking, January 31, 1900. I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that a special audience of all the high metropolitan olficials was summoned for the 24th instant in the Palace. It was con- jectured that this unusual proceeding was in some way connected with the question of the occupancy of the Throne of China ; and these conjectures were confirmed by the Imperial Decree which appeared the same evening, translation of which I have the honour to inclose herewith. In this Decree the Emperor is made to recall the arrangement made at the time of his succession, that, on an heir being born to him, the child should become the heir by adoption to the Emperor just then deceased. His Majesty regrets the failure of this arrangement, owing to his own ill-health, and the impossibility of his having a son born to him, and announces that the Lmpress-Dowager has, at his own request, selected an heir to the late Emperor in the person of one of his near relatives. In the same issue of the "Peking Gazette " there were published three other Decrees with reference to the newly-appointed heir apparent. The first of these directed that he should represent the Emperor in the performance of the ceremonies to celebrate the new year (3lst January) in three of the Palace halls ; the second appointed Ch'ung-Yi and Hsii T'ung as tutors to superintend his education ; and the third prescribed a congratula- tory ceremonial at the Palace on the 26th instant. The young Prince P'u-Chiln, who has been tlius selected to succeed to the throne, is a grandson of Prince Tun, known as the Fifth Prince, that is, the fifth son of the Emperor,, whose reign was styled Tao-Kuang (1821-51). The present Emperor is the son of the seventh Prince, so that the new heir apparent is the first cousin once removed of the reigning Sovereign. He is 14 years old. For a full account of the genealogy of the reigning family, of the system of adopting heirs, of the peculiarities of the succession of the present Emperor, and of the reasons why the elder branches of the family were passed over in his favour, I have the honour to refer your Lordship to two interesting despatches written by Sir Thomas Wade at the time when the present Emperor came to the throne — of the 19th and "ieth January, 1875. Of the two hiph officials above mentioned as having been appointed tutors to the heir apparent, Ch'ung Yi, is a Manchu, who was father-in-law of the late Emperor (T'ung Chih), and has since held high office. He has had no intercourse with foreigners, and is said to be of conservative tendencies. The other, Hsii T'ung, is a Chinese bannerman,. also of exalted rank, who is reputed to be a hater of foreigners and all their ways. He lives in the street where most of the foreign Legations are situated, and has borne out this reputation by the consistent opposition which he has offered to the macadamizing of this street and to all other material reforms. In the Gazette of the 27th January appeared a Decree appointing His Highness Prince Ch'ing (well known to foreigners as President of the Tsung-li Yam6n), and a JVIongoL 15 Prince named Na, to be "Anta" to the young Priace, "Anta" being a Manchu word signifying the su[)ervisor of children in a Prince's household. Prince Ch'ing is a good type of the ordinary Manchu conservative statesman ; and the selection of the future Emperor's advisers would seem to be based on the desire to prevent him from being carried away by those impulses towards sudden reform which the Empress-Dowager has had to repress so vigorously in his predecessor. Rumours of the impending abdication or deposition of the Emperor have been prevalent in the capital and elsewhere for some months past, and the news of the appointment of a successor to the throne has undoubtedly -given such rumours a fresh life. Possibly with a view to quieting the general uneasiness in this regard, the Empress- Dowager issued a Decree on the 2Nth instant, directing that the Emperor's next birthday, marking the completion of his 30th year, should be celebrated with all the ceremonies proper to the occasion. This Decree was succeeded on the following day, 29th January, by lour Decrees on the subject of tlie 30th birthday celebrations, purporting to be in the name of the Emperor himself, the effect of which is that the ceremonies of worshipping Heaven, and of ascending the throne to receive congratulations are not to be observed on the occasion, that the high provincial authorities are not to memorialize for permission to come to Peking to offer congratulations, that ceremonial robes are to be worn for seven days, and that special examinations are to be held by Imperial grace in honour of the auspicious year. The only other authentic indication which 1 am able to record as tu the Emperor's real position is that afforded by the Court Circular in yesterdays Gazette, by which it is notified that the Emperor is to receive in person the usual obeisances to-day — the first day of the year. 1 have, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. Inclosure in No. 28. Extract from, the "Peking Gazette" of January 24, 1900. Imperial Decree. (By the Emperor's own pen.) ^ Translation.) WHEN at a tender age we entered into the succession to the throne. Her Majesty the Empress-Dowager graciously undertook the rule of the country as Regent, taught and guided us with diligence, and managed all things, great and small, with unremitting care, until we ourself assumed the government. Thereafter the times again became critical. We bent all our thoughts and energies to the task of ruling rightly, striving to requite Her Majesty's loving kindness, that so we might fulfil the weighty duties intrusted to us by the late Emperor Mu Tsung Yi (T'ung Chih). But since last year we have suffered from ill-health, affairs of State have increased in magnitude and perplexity, and we have lived in constant dread of going wrong. Reflecting on the supreme importance of the worship of our ancestors and of the spirits of the land, we therefore implored the Empress-Dowager to advise us in the govern- ment. This was more than a year ago, but we have never been restored to health, and we have not the strength to perform in person the great sacrifices at the altar of Heaven and in the temples of the spirits of the land. And now the times are full of difficulties. We see Her Gracious Majesty's anxious toil by day and by night, never laid aside for rest or leisure, and with troubled mind we examine ourself, taking no comfort in sleep or food, but ever dweUing in thought on the labours of our ancestors in founding the dynasty, and ever fearful lest our strength be not equal to our task. Moreover, we call to mind how, when we first succeeded to the throne, we reverently received the Em press- Dowager's Decree that as soon as a Prince should be born to us he should become the heir by adoption to the late Emperor Mu Tsung Yi (T'ung Chih). This is known to all the officials and people throughout the Empire. But we suffer from an incurable disease, and it is impossible for us to beget a son, so that the Emperor Mu Tsung Yi has no posterity, and the consequences to the lines of succes- sion are of the utmost gravity. Sorrowfully thinking on this, and feeling that there is no 16 place to hide ouiself for sliame, liow can we look forward to recovery from all our ■ailments ? We have therefore humbly implored Her Sacred Majesty carefully to select from among the near branches of our family a good and worthy member, who should found a line of posterity for the Emperor Mu Tsung Yi (T'ung Chili), and to whom the Throne should revert iiereafter. Alter repeated entreaties, Her Majesty has now deigned to yrant her consent that P'u Chiin, son of Tsai Yi, Prince Tuan, should be adopted as the son of the late Emperor Mu Tsung Yi (T'ung Chih). We have received Her Majesty's Decree with unspeaka'ble joy, and in reverent obedience to her gracious instruction we appoint P'u Chiin, son of Tsai Yi, as Prince Imperial, to carry on tlie dynastic succession. Let this Decree be made known to all men. No. 29. Sir Chihchen Lofengluh to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received April 4.) My Lord, Chinese Legation, April 2, 1900. r HAVE the honour to acquaint your Lordship of an Imperial Edict relating to the succession to the Throne of China, which I have been instructed by the Tsung-li Yamgn to communicate to your Lordship, for the information of Her Majesty's Government. The Edict bears tlie date of the 24th day of the 12th month of the 2.5th year of Kuang Hsii ('Mth January, 1900), and is as follows : — " On our succession, at a very tender age, to the throne, and afterwards during the whole period of the Regency, we were placed under deep obligations to the Empress- Dowager for the solicitude with which she watched over us, and for the counsels we received from her in matters great and small. By way of requiting the favours thus vouchsafed to us, and of discharging the onerous duties imposed on us as the successor of the Emperor Tung Chih, our constant endeavour has always been to improve the administration of the country. But during the last year, bad health, and the burden of the multifarious business of the State, have often made us fearful lest we should prove unequal to the task and stumble under the weight of our great responsibilities. " ^ow, considering the Edict which was promulgated by the Empress-Dowager on our accession to the throne, and in which, as is well known alike to Ministers and people throughout the Empire, it is stated that, on a son being born to us, he should be accounted as the son of the Emperor Tung Chih, posthumously adopted to continue the succession; and also considering that we suffer from a congenital infirmity which renders our ever having a son improbable, and that the settlement of the succession is a matter of great importance, we have on several occasions reverentially besought and entreated the Empress-Dowager to select from amongst the members of the Imperial family, most nearly related to the throne, some good and fitting person who should be considered as the son by adoption of His Majesty the late Emperor Tung Chih, and Her Majesty, having at length been graciously pleased to consent to this, has nominated P'u Tsun, son of Tsai Yih, Prince Tuan, as the person who is to be considered as the son of Tung Chih, and the successor to the throne when the necessity shall arise. " This nomination, having been highly gratifying to us, we do hereby, in compliance with it, create P'u Tsun, son of Tsai Yih, an Imperial Prince, to the end that tlie line of the succession to the throne may be continued." The appointment of the Prince to continue the Imperial succession being a matter of great international importance, 1 am to request that your Lordship will be so good as make note of the Imperial Edict, of which the above is a translation, and of which I also inclose the text in Chinese. I have, &c. (Signed) LOE^NGLUH. No. 30. Sir Chihchen Lofengluh to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received April 4.) My Lord, Chinese Legation, April 3, 1900. ON the 10th January last I had the honour to convey to your Lordship the expression of my Government's regret at the murder of the Rev. Mr. Brooks, a British to 17 missionary, at Feichen, in tlie Province of Shantung;, and tlicir assurance that no cfForis would be spared in order to visit tlie guilty i)arties with condign punishment. By direction of the ^J'sung-li Yainon, 1 have now to acquaint your Lordship of the fulfilment of that promise. Of several arrests that liad been made of persons accused of having been the perpetrators of tlie crime or otheiwise concerned in its committal, two have been brought to justice and, at a trial at which a British Consul was present, found guilty and sentenced t-o be decapitated — a sentence which has already been carried into effect. Besides this, the Magistrate of Feichen, and some of the police authorities of the distric, accounted to have been guilty of culpable negligence in the protection of Mr. Brooks, have been cashiered, or had other punishments awarded them of different degrees of severity. I feel assured that in the exemplary punif>hmcnt inflicted on the murderers and the officials who were found to have come short of their duty Her Majesty's Government will not fail to see a satisfactory settlement of the regrettable occurrence, and a proof of the Chinese Government's determination to give the fullesc degree of security and protection to foreigners residing or travelling in the country. I have, &c. (Signed) LOFFNGLUH. No. 31. • The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir Chihchen Lojengluh, Sir, Foreicpi Office, April 11, 1900. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge tlie receipt of your note of the 3rd instant relative to the murder of Mr. Brooks, a British Missionary, at Feichen, in the Province of Shantung, in Avhich you inform me of the punishment inflicted on the murderers as well as on the officials who M'cre found to have failed in their duty in connection with this occurrence. You state that Her Majesty's Government cannot fail to see in the action taken in the matter by the Chinese Government a determination on their part to afford the fullest degree of security and protection to foreigners residing or travelling in the cou.ntry. While thanking you for your communication, I have to point out to you tliat no punishment has been inflicted on the late Governor of Shantung, who must be held primarily responsible for the lawless state of affairs existing there, and that this official, according to information which has reached me from Her Majesty's Minister at ]*eking, has been transferred to the Governorship of another province. In tliese circumstances, Her Majesty's Government are unable to regard the present settlement of the case as wholly satisfactory. I have, &c. (Signed) SALISBURY. No. 32. Sir C. MacDovald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received April IG.) My liord, Peking, March 5, 1900. IN my despatch of the 31st January, 1 had the honour to forward to your Lordship copy of an identic note addressed to the Yanien on the 27th January by myself, my American, French, German, and Italian colleagues, in which we asked that a Decree should be issued specifically denouncing the anti-Christian Societies in Shantung and Chihli. Peceiving no answer, Ave wrote again on the 21st F'ebruary, pressing for a reply, and on the 2oth F'^ebruary we each received the note, of which I inclose copy herewith. Vour Lordship will observe that in this note the Yamen misquote the note to which it is a reply, make no mention of either of the Societies whose suppression Ave had demanded, and merely state that a Decree had been issued ordering the Governors of the provinces to put an end to the disturbances. This was considered so unsatisfactory by myself and the Pepresentatives of the other four Powers that Ave decided to ask for an intervicAv Avith the Vamen, at Avhich Prince Ch'ing should be present, and Ave prepared an identic note, copy of Avhiidi is inclosed, to be delivered at the intervicAV, in Avhich Ave repeated the demand already [758] D 18 made, "vvith the addilioual stipulation that the Decree we asked for should he published in the official Gazette, in the same way as the harmful Decree of the 11th January. The interview was arranged for the 2nd instant, and on the evening of the 1st instant we each received from the Yamen the note and inclosure of M-hich I have the honour to forward translation herewith. The inclosure consists of a Proclamation by the Governor-General of Chihli, emhodying an Imperial Decree, in which the " Boxers " are denounced in unambiguous terms. Had this note been sent in the first instance as a reply to the identic note it would, as I subsequently informed the Yamfin, have probably been accepted as satisfactory by the Representatives of the five Powers concerned. In view, however, of the tardiness with which ihe Chinese Government had dealt with this matter, and of the aggravated suspicion as to the meaning of the Decree concerning Societies caused by the evasive terms of the Yamen's note of the 24th February, it was decided at a Conference held before we started for the Yamen that we should adhere to the demand formulated in the identic note which we had already prepared. Mr. Conger, United States' Minister, Baron von Ketteler, German Minister, Marquis Salvago, Italian Minister, Baron d'Anthoiiard, French Charge d' Affaires, and myself were received at the Yamen by Prince Ch'ing and nearly all the Ministers. On behalf of myself and my colleagues I recapitulated the circumstances, as detailed above, which had led to the demand which we now made. My colleagues all expressed to the Prince and Ministers their entire concurrence with the language I used. Mr. Conger i-eminded the Yamen of the incredulity with which they had listened to his representa- tions regarding these disturbances over three montlis ago, and the promises they had been making ever since, from which nothing had resulted. Baron von Kcttler laid special stress on the fact that in the Decree just com- municated no mention -was made of tlie'^Ta Tao Ilui," or " Big Knife Society," the denunciation of which, equally with tiiat of the " I-Iio-Ch'uan " or "Fist of Kighteous Harmony," hail been demanded. The Prince and ]Ministers protested emphatically that the Tlirone was earnest in its determination to put a stop to the outrages committed by these Societies. They main- tained that the method adopted for promulgating the Imperial Decree, that of sending it to the Governors of the provinces concerned, to be embodied in a Proclamation and acted upon, was much speedier and more effective than that of publishing a Decree in the "Peking Gazette," as suggested by us. With regard to the omission of the term " Ta Tao Hui" from tie Decree, thev declared that this Society was now the same as the " l-Ho-Ch'uan." While we acknowledged the sincerity displayed by the Imperial Decree and its promulgation by Proclamation, none of the arguments employed by the Yamen con- ■,yinccd us that there was any real objection, be^'ond a dislike to obeying foreign dictation, to the publication of a Decree in the Gazette in the terms we demanded, and we therefore handed in the identic notes which we had prepared. The Yamen promised to consider the question and to send a reply. I have, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M, MacDONALD. Inclosure 1 in No. 32. The Tsimrj-li Yamen to Sir C. MacDonald. (Translation.) i^ii'j ^ ^ Peking, February 25, 1900. ON the 21st instant we received your Excellency's note stating that you had some time since addressed us Avith regard to rebellious ruffians who in Shantung and elsewhere formed societies and made disturbances, requesting us to memorialize the throne to issue a Decree in terms of strict prohibition ; that you had not yet received a reply, and asking us to immediately memorialize tlie throne as originally requested, and to reply. We have the honour to slate that on the 19th instant we had already memoriali^ca the throne on the subject, and at once received an Imperial Decree directing the Governor-General of Chihli and the Governor of Shantung to issue orders by Proclama- tion, and to strictly forbid the above proceedings. \Vc have the honour to reply accordingly for your Lordship's information. (Seal of Yamen.) Inclosuro 2 in No. 32. The Tsung-li Yumen to Sir C. MacDonald. ('JVauslatioii.) Sir, Pekbic), March 1, 1900. Wrr][ regard to the strict prohibition of the distiuhances raised by the "Fist Society" in Shantung- and Chilili, the Yamen lately memorialized the throne and, in obedience to the luiperial commands, sent instructions to the dovernor-Gleneral of Chihli and the Governor of Shantung to issue Proclamations in terms of severe prohibi- tion. We wrote to your Excellency to this effect on the 25th January. We have now received a reply from the Governor-General of Chihli seating that he has instructed all local authorities within his jurisdiction to issue a Pioclamalion couched in words of the most stringent admonition. His Excellency sends us a draft, of Ih- Proclamations to be issued. When we receive the reply of the Governor of Shantung we will again communicate with your Excellency. Meanwhile we send you a copy of tlic Governor-General of Chihli's draft Proclamation. (Seal of Yamen.) Inclosurc 3 in Ko. 32. Proclamation by the Governor-General of Cliih'i. (Translation.) IN a matter of the most stringent admonition and strict prohibition. On the 21st February last the following Imperial Decree Mas feverejitly received : — "The Tsung-li Yamen memorializes requesting our orders for the strict suppression of the ' Fist Society.' Last year the Governor of Shantung telegraphed that the Society known as ' the Fist of Righteous Harmony ' in many of his districts under the plea of enmity to foreign religions, were raising disturbances in all directions, and bad extended their operations into the southern part of Chihli. We have repeatedly ordered the Governor-General of Chihli and the Governor of Shantung to send soldiers to keep ti)c peace. But it is to be feared that if stern measures of suppression of such proceedings as secretly establishing societies with names and collecting in numbers to raise disturbances be not taken, the ignorant populace will ba deluded and excited, and t'.s time goes on things will grow worse, and when some serious case ensues we shall be compelled to employ troops to extirpate the evil. The sufferers would be truly many, and the thioiic cannot bear to slay without warning. '"Let the Governor-General of Cl)il)li and the Governor of Shangiuug issue the most stringent Proclamations admonishing the people and strictly prohibiting (the societies) so that our people may all know that to secretly establish so.t'ictics is contrary to prohibi- tion and a breach of the law. "Evil customs must be rooled out and the people encouraged to be good. Should any obstinately adhere to their delusions and }>crsist in their old ways they must be immediately punished with the greatest severity and without the slightest mercy. "Both converts and tliC ordinary Chinese arc (he subjects of the throne and in all cases of lawsuits the local officials must adjudicate with fairness, discriminating only between right and wrong and not between the adherents of foreign religions and others. There must be no trace of partiality. Thus will be supported our supreme desire to trcafe all with equal benevolence. '■' Let the high officials named proclaim our words, that all people may know our will " I (the Governor-General) find it settled by decided cases th;\t those people of no occupation, busybodies who style tliemselves Professors, and practise boxing, and p'ay with clubs, and teaeh people their arts ; those also who learn fiom these men, ;ind those who march about and parade the villages and marts flourishing tridents, and i)li;ying with sticks, hoodwinking the populace to make a profit for themselves, are strictly fo: bidden to carry on such practices. Should any disobey, on arrest the principals will receive 100 blows with the heavy bamboo, and be banished to a distance of 1,000 miles. The pupils will receive the same beating, and be banished to another province for three years and, on expiration of that period and return to their native place be sui)jectcd to strict surveillance. [758] D ■>■ 20 Should any inn, leniple or house harbour these people without report to the officials, f»r should the police and others not search them out and arrest them, the delin(|uen(s will be sentenced to eighty blows with the heavy bamboo for improper conduct in the higher degree. From this it appears that teaching or practising boxing and club play, and deluding the people for private gain are fundamentally contrary to law. But of late some of the ignorant populace have been deluded by ruffians from other parts of the Empire who talk of charms and incantations and spiritual incarnations which protect from guns and cannon. They have dared to secretly establish the Society of the Fist of Righteous Harmony and have practised drill with fists and clubs. The movement has spread in all directions, and under the plea of hatred of foreign religions these people have harried the country. When soldiers and runners came to make arrests, turbulent ruffians bad the audacity to defy them relying on their numbers, thereby exhibiting a still greater contempt for the law. Although the officials, civil and military, have put out many Proclamations admonisliing the | coplc, there are still great numbers who, while professing obedience, are secretly recalcitrant and cling to their former errors. It must be remembered that both converts and ordinary Chinese are the cherished sons of the Government. Sliould difl'erencies arise between any of these, it is a matter of duty for the parties to have recourse to an official decision ; but to presume to assemble in armed mobs to burn and destroy houses, and rob and pillage, and even to hold men to ransom, and inflict bodily injury, and to defy and resist the official troops, is conduct differing in no respect from f Iiat of robbers and rebels. You have all of you your lives and property. AVhy then allow yourselves to be deluded and excited by wicked men, and cling to your mistaken ideas, deliberately entering the meshes of the law ? in addition to instructing all the local officials to adopt strict measures of prohibi- tion and to punish without fail all offenders, I hereby issue this most stringent admonition and notify all people in my jurisdiction, gentry and every class of the population, that you should clearly understand that the establishment and formation of secret societies for the practice of boxing and club exercises are contrary to prohibition and a breach of the law. The assembly of mobs to create disturbances and all violent outrages are acts which tlie law will still less brook. As regards the establishment of these boxing lodges which excite and delude tlie people and give rise to disturbances, strict orders have now been issued for the arrest and punishment of the ringleaders. They have no chance whatever of escaping the hand of justice. As to the ignorant and stupid persons who have been persuaded to join the society and practise boxing, it is imperative that they recognize their error, abandon their pernicious practices and exert themselves to be good subjects of the Empire. Should they speedily correct their fault, their past offences will be graciously overlooked, but if they do not mend their ways and continue in their evil course, and lodges are again established for the practice of boxing and club exercise, and the people led into error for the private gain of the promoters, the local officials will immediately in combination with the military forces arrest the offenders who will be punished with the utmost severity without the slightest mercy. The converts and the ordinary people are all the subjects of the throne, and arc regarded by the Government with impartial benevolence. No distinction is made between them. Should they have lawsuits they must bow to the judgments of the officials. The ordinary people must not give way to lage, and by violent acts create feuds and trouble. The converts on the other hand must not stir up strife and oppress the people or incite the missionaries to screen them and help them to obtain the upper hand. The local officials must on their part carefully observe the stipulations of the Treaties. In their decision of cases brought before them they must not consider who is a convert or who is an ordinary Chinese. They must only differentiate right and wrong, and must act with impartiality and without any favour to either side. Finally, it is my fervent wish that all, whether converts or ordinary people, will attend to their own affairs and keep the law, that all needless suspicions be abandoned, and that all may cultivate friendly relations the one with the other. Let all tremblingly obey 1 21 Inclosurc 4 in No. 32. Sir C. MacDonald to the Tsung-li Yamen. MM. Ics Alinistrcs, Pekhuj, Febniarn 27, 1900. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of youv Highness' and your Excellencies' note of the 25th instant, in answer to my notes of tlie 27th January and the 21st February on the subject of the anti-Christian disturbances in Shantung- and Cliihli. As the Yamen have not acceded to my request to obtain the issue of an Imperial Decree in the terms specified in my note of the 27th January, I beg to repeat a portion of that despatch with the addition of the words " in the ' Peking Gazette '." 1 request that an Imperial Decree may be issued and published in the " Peking Gazette" ordering by name the complete suppression and abolition of the "Fist of liightcous Harmony" and "Big Sword Societies," and I request that it maybe distinctly stated in the Decree that to belong to either of tliese societies or to harbour any of its members is a criminal offence against the law of China. Nothing less tlian this will, I am convinced, put an end to the outrages against Cin-istians which have lately been so prevalent in Chih,li and Shantung. Should the Cvhinese Government refuse this reasona!)le request I shall be compelled to report to my Government tiieir failure to take what maybe called only an ordinary precaution against a most pernicious and anti-foreign organization. The consequences of further disorder in the districts concerned cannot fail to be extremely serious to the Chinese Govern- ment. I avail, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. No. 33. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received April 16.) My Lord, Peking, March 5, 1900. WITH reference to my despatch of to-day's date, I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship copy of the notes taken during the interview on the 2nd instant between myself and the liepresentatives of the United States, France, Germany and Italy, and the Ministers of the Yanicn, on the subject of the Boxer disturbances. I have, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. Inclosurc in No. 33. Memorandum of Interview between Sir C. MacDonald, ivith four other Foreign Reprcsenid* lives, and the Tsung-li Yamen, on the subject of Boxer Disturbances in Shantung and Chihli. SIR CLAUDE MACDONALD, with Mr. Fulford and Mr. Ker, Mr. Conger, United States' Minister, with Mr, Cheshire; Baron Ketteler, German Minister, Avith Baron von der Goltz; Marquis Salvago, Italian Minister, with Dr. Merklinghaus ; and Baron d'Anthouard, French Charge d'Affaires, with M. Morisse ; called by appoint- ment at the Yamen, and. were received by Prince Ch'ing Wang Wen-shao, Chad Shu-ch'iao, Hsii Jung-i, Hsii Ching-ch'eng, Wu T'ing-fen, Kuei Ch'un, Lien Yuan. Sir Claude MacDonald recapitulated the circumstances which had induced the five Representatives to come to-day to discuss the disturbances now going on in Shantung and Chihli. It was admitted that these disturbances were the work of two Societies known as the I-Ho Ch'ilan and the Ta Tao Hui. On the 11th January an Imperial Decree was published in the " Peking Gazette," which although not mentioning these Societies by name, Avas draAvn up in such ambiguous terms that it has given rise to a wide-spread impression that these Societies were actually encouraged by the Throne. The result had been to unsettle people's minds and in many cases to produce further disturbances. 22 The Representatives of the various Powers who had s])ecial interests in those two provinces on account of the number of Mission Stations occupied by their nationals in the said provinces, had therefore addressed an identic note to the Yamen requesting that a Decree should be issued denouncing tlie l-llo Ch'uan and the Ta Tao Ilui specifically by name. This was on the '27l.h Janmry. They waited a month without receiving an answer, and on the 21st February they wrote again pressing for a reply. On the 25th February they received an answer from tlie Yamen which was abso- lutely unsatisfactory. It misquoted the Foreign Ivepresentatives' note; it made no mention of the Socieiies ; it merely stated that a Decree liad been issued ordering the Governors of the provinces to suppress — without stating what it was they were to suppress. The Representatives of the five Powers were now here to request that an Imperial Decree should be issued, and published in the "Peking Gazetle'' in the same way as the former Decree, denouncing the 1-Ho Ch'uan and tlie Ta T;io Hui by name, and declaring it a criminal offence against the laws of China to b3long to cither of these Societies, or to harbour any of tlieir member.?. The Yamen Ministers said that there was apparently some niisai)prehension on the part of the foreign Re])resentatives. The first note addressed to the Vam^n arrived just at the time of the New Year, but as soon as the New Year holidays were over the Yamen memorialized the Throne, and it will be seen from the Decree embodied in the Governor- General of Chihli's Proclamation inclosed in the Yamen's note of the previous day (the 1st March) that the Boxers were denounced by name. The 'J'hrone regarded this matter as of the greatest importance ; and the Imperial Decree ordering the suppression of the Bocieties had been promulgated by sending it to the Governors of the two provinces as a much speedier and more effective means than publishing it in the Gazette. The Ministers referred to the stringent measures taken against these Societies in the reign of Chia Ch'ing (1796-1 82J), and said this policy was being consistently carried out at the present day. Sir Claude observed that if he and his colleagues had received in the first instance the despatch which they received last night, it was just possible that tliey would not have been here to-day. As it wa.s, they were now here to request that an Imperial Decree denouncing both Societies should be published in the "Peking Gazette" in the same way as the first misleading Decree. In view of what the Ministers stated as to tiie policy of the Chinese Government he presumed there would be no difficulty about making the publication in the Gazette which was requested. Tl)e Prince and Ministers reiterated at length what they had already said as to the sincerity of the Government, and as to the superiority of the metliod of promulgation adopted. This was the method always adopted in the ease of matters of importance, i.e., a secret Decree was given to the Privy Councit, not to be put into the Gazette, but sent to the provinces and acted upon. Besides, the Gazetle only dealt with current matters, and this Decree had already been acied upon and was now past history. The previous Decree was a general one, couched in vague terms, and mentioning no particular Society. It referred to the vvliole Empire ; but this Decree aimed specially at these two Societies, and the most effective means had been taken of conveying it to the I'rovinces of Shantung and Chihli, to which it specially refi rred. Sir Claude, speaking for himself, acknowledged the satisfactory terms of the Decree embodied in the Governor-General of Chihli's Proclamation inclosed in the Yamen's note of the previous day, ])ut insisted that it should be publishetl in the Gazette. Is'either he nor his colleagues would be satisfied with anything short of this. Mr. Conger addressed the Yamen in the same sense, dwelling on the harm done by the Decree of the 11th January and on the necessity of correcting it by a Decree published iu an equally universal way. He reminded the Yamen that when this matter was first brought before them they declared he was only listening to idle rumours. For over three months the Chinese Government had been making similar assurances as to suppressing these disturbances to those they made now, but nothing had come of these assurances. The Yamen were therefore bound to comply with the suggestion and demand now made by his colleagues and himself. The Yamen pointed out that they had done all that the five foreign Reprtscntatives had asked them to do. The publication in the Gazette was a demand formulated for the first time to-day. Baron von Ketteler expressed his agreement with his colleagues, but called special attention, to the omission of the Ta Tao Hui from the Decree now communicated. The reason was that the Head of tlie Tu Tao Hui wa.s in, Peking at (be present moment. When Yu Hsien was sent for by the Throne, instead of being sent t» the 23 Board of Piuiishmcnts, lie received a special mark of favour from the Imperial hands. The foreign Representatives demanded that such a man should be denounced before the country, and tlie only way to do so was to denounce the Society to which he belonged. The suggestion that the former Governor of Shantung was the head of the Ta Tao Hui was received with undisguised merriment by the Prince and Ministers, but the Prince admitted that Yii Hsien was to blame for not having suppressed the dis- turbances. Sir Claude MacDonald and Mr. Conger both expressed their agreement with Baron von Ketteler so far as regarded the responsibility of Yii Hsien for the dis- turbances in Shantung. They attributed the original Edict to his inspiration. In reply to Baron von Ketteler, the Yamen explained that the Ta Tao Ilui had amalgamated with the I-ho Ch'iian. The names which were or might be assumed by these brigands were legion. As a matter of fact, the Yamen's Memorial did mention the Ta Tao Hui by name. Marquis Salvage expressed his agreement with his colleagues. Baron d'Anthouard did the same, adding that he had received news that very day which proved that the authorities were not affording due protection to the missionaries in Shantung and Chihli. The Yamen assured him that every precaution was being taken. Baron d'Anthouard said he had received similar assurances over three months ago, and he wanted more than words, he wanted deeds, to reassure him. Sir Claude then read to the Yamen, in the name of his colleagues, the last para- graph of his note of the 27th Pebruary, which was handed in. Identic notes were handed in by all the Representatives present. The YamSn repeated what they said before as to the superiority of the method adopted for promulgating the Decree denouncing the Boxers over the method suggested by the foreign Representatives. Sir Claude said that he accepted the Decree inclosed in Yamen note of the 1st March as satisfactory, and that but for the pernicious Edict of the 11th January, and but for the author of that Edict, they would not be here to-day. That was the reason why they asked for publication in the Gazette. The Yamen (Hsu Yung-i) said that the five foreign Representatives had misunder- stood the meaning of the Edict of the 11th January. The Throne was actuated by the best of motives in issuing it. It was designed to allay the bad feeling existing between the Christians and natives throughout the Empire, and to prevent such Societies as the Boxers, &e., in Shantung from committing atrocities by branding such Societies according to their deeds. The idea that it was inspired by Yii Hsien was entirely erroneous. Sir Claude said he did not wish to enter into a discussion with regard to the Edict of the 11th January. The views of the foreign Representatives had been clearly put before the Prince and Ministers, and further discussion was unnecessary. He begged to draw the serious attention of the Ministers to the fact that all five Representatives were present acting under instructions from their respective Governments, and begged that an early answer be given so that they might inform their Governments of the same. Tiie Yamen said they would consider the matter, and reply. Peking, March 2, 1900. No. 34. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received April 16.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, April 16, 1900. WITH reference to my two telegrams of the lOth and 2:h-d ultimo, I have the honour to report that the " Official Gazette " has now published a Memorial from the Viceroy of Cliihli, which embodies a satisfactory Imperial Decree denouncing by name the Boxers' Societies. I have also to inform your Lordship that the two ships oi-dered to Taku have now returned to their ordinary duty. 24 No, 35. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. MacDonald. Sir, ^ Foreign Office, April 20, 1900. I HAVE received your despatch of the 5th ultimo, reporting the action which you took, in conjunction with your American, iVench, German, and Italian colleagues, to ohtain the issue by the Chinese Government of a Decree specifically denouncing the anti-Christian Societies in Shantung and Chihli. I approve your proceedings in regard to this matter. I am, &c. (Signed) SALISBURY. No. 36. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received April 30.) My Lord, Pelting, March IG, 1900. IN continuation of my despatches of the 5th instant on the subject of the anti-Christian Societies in Chihli and Shantung, I have tlie honour to inclose, herewith, translation of the Yamen's reply to the identic note whicli was handed to the Prince and Ministers by myself and four colleagues at the interview of tne 2nd March. In this communication the Yamen merely repeat the arguments advanced by them at tlie interview, and maintain the inipossihility of acceding to the demand for puI)lication in the " Peking Gazette " of a Decree denoiuicing the Societies. At a Conference of the five Eepresentatives concerned, held on the 10th instant to consider this reply, it was accordingly decided that we should rejjeat the demand already made, with the addition of an intimation that, in the event of the Chinese Government's failure to comply there- with, we would recommend to our respective Governments the advisability of adopting other measures for the protection of the lives and property of their nationals in China. I have the honour to inclose herewith a copy of the identic note which was addressed to the Yamen in accordance with this decision. In thus insisting on compliance with our original demand, my colleagues and I were influenced by the daily increasing gravity of the situation in this and the neighbouring province. Reports were consistently being received of " Boxers " drilling and enlisting recruits even near Tien-tsin and Peking, in spite of the Proclamation issued by the Provincial Governors ; and it was felt that the strongest pressure was necessary to awaken the Imperial Government to a sense of the danger of international complications ensuing if these Societies were not promptly and vigorously dealt with. On the 10th instant I had the honour to report the above circumstances to your Lordship by telegraph, submitting a recommendation that if our demand was not acceded to, and no improvement in the situation took place, the measures to be adopted for the protection of British, American, French, German, and Italian subjects should take the form of a combined naval demonstration in the waters of North China. My colleagues telegraphed to their respective Governments in the same sense. No reply has yet been received from the Tsung-li Yamen to the note of the 10th March, and it was with serious misgivings as to the attitude of the Chinese Govern, ment on this question that I read yesterday the official announcement of the appointment of Yii Hsien, lately Governor o.f Shantung, to the post of Governor of Shansi. The growth and impunity of the anti-Christian Societies in Shantung has been universally ascribed to the sympathy and encouiagement accorded to them by this high officer, and his conduct lias for some time past formed the subject of strong representations on the part of several of the foreign Representatives. Altogether Tii's appointment to so important a post cannot fail to be regarded as showing an extraordinary lack of con- sideration on the part of the Chinese Government for the opinions and representations of foreign Powei's. I have, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. 25 Inclosure I in No. 36. The Tsung'li Yamen to Sir C. MacDonald, (Translation. "> Sir, ' Peking, March 7, 1900. THE Yam6n have the honour to acknowledge the receipt on the 2nd instant of your Excellency's note on the subject of the anti-Christian disturbances in Shantung and Chihli, repeating the request formerly made, with the addition of the words " and published in the ' Peking Gazette.' " Your Excellency added that nothing short of this, &c. (last paragraph of despatch of the 27th February quoted in full). On the 1st March the Yam6n received from the Governor-General of Chihli a draft copy of his prohibitory Proclamation embodying an Imperial Edict, copy of which Proclamation was immediately communicated for your Excellency's information. From this it will be seen that, in accordance with your Excellency's request for the strict prohibition of anti-Christian manifestations by members of Societies, the Yamen has already memorialized the Throne and received the Imperial sanction to this proposal. But the Imperial Edict which the Yamen had the honour to have communicated to them on that day was one issued by the Grand Council for transmission to the Governor- •General and Governor of the provinces concerned, that is, it was what is called a ■*•' T'ing-Chi " (Message from the Throne). Kow, inasmuch as all " T'ing-Chi " are immediately issued to the province to which the Message is sc>nt, and every such province is bound to take action in accordance therewith the moment the Message is received, matters dealt with in this way assume much greater weight and importance than those dealt with by the issue of a " Shang-Yii " (Imperial Decree). The rule is that a special Imperial Message is not delivered to the Grand Secretariat for publication (i.e., in the "Gazette'"). Moreover, seeing that in this case a Memorial has been presented already, and a Message from the Throne issued in accordance therewith, it is not proper that a second request should be submitted to the Throne for the issue of an Imperial Decree. This is an established rule of public business in China which it is impossible to alter. The Governor-General and Governor of the provinces in question have now, in obedience to Imperial commands, issued a Proclamation in terms of stringent prohibition, and in future the rascals who have been molesting Christians cannot fail to dread the majesty of the law and to turn from their courses. Moreover, the intention of your Excellency's desire that the contents of the Edict should be printed in the " Peking Gazette " is that tlie people may be universally informed thereof. Your Excellency is not aware that the circulation of the " Peking Gazette " is most extensive inside Peking, and that in the provinces it is read only by the officials, the people in general having no opportunity of seeing it. Now that the ■Governor-C^^eneral and Governor of the provinces concerned have, in obedience to Imperial Edict, issued a Proclamation making known what is commanded, the common people are all able to see it, and the publication is certainly much more widespread than it would be by the " Peking Gazette." The Yamen must beg your Excellency to give further careful consideration to this matter, and you will then be convinced that the truth of their statements can be relied upon. Your Excellency resides in China, and must be tully acquainted with the constitution and conditions of the Chinese Empire, and the Yamen earnestly trust that you will report to your honourable Government accordingly. In communicating the above observations in reply to your Excellency's note, the Yamen avail, &c. (Seal of Yam^n.) Inclosure 2 in No. 36. Sir C. MacDonald to the Tsung-li Yamen. MM. les Ministres, • Peking, March 10, 1900. ACKNOWLEDGING receipt of your Highness' and your Excellencies' note of the 7th March, I regret to say that it is no way either an adequate or satisftictory reply to my notes or my verbal requests concerning the suppression of the two Societies known ,18 the " Big Sword " and " Fist of Righteous Harmony." 17581 E 26 I therefore am obliged to repeat the requests, and because of the rapid spread of these Societies, proof ot which is accumulating every day, and which the Imperial Decree ot the 11th January greatly encouraged, I insist that an absolute prohibitive Decree for all China, mentioning these two Societies by name, be forthwith issued and published in the '• Peking Gazette," as was done with the Decree of the 11th January. Should I not receive a favourable answer without delay, I shall report the matter to my Government, and urge strongly the advisability of the adoption of other' measures for the protection of the lives and property of British subjects in China. I avail, &c. (iiigned; CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. No. 37. Sir C. MacDoifiald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received May 1 7.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 17, 1900. '^ THE Erench Minister called to-day to inform me that the Boxers have destroyed, three villages and killed 61 E-omaii Catholic Christian converts at a place 90 miles from Peking, near Paoting-fu. The Erench Bishop informs me that in that district, and around Tien-tsin and Peking generally, much disorder prevails. f' "".^ The marine guard which was under orders to leave Tien-tsin has, at my request^, been retained by the Admiral. No. 38. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received May 18.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 18, 1900. . WITH reference to my telegram of the l7th May : There was a report yesterday, A\hich has been confirmed to-day, that the Boxers have destroyed the London Mission chapel at Kung-tsun, and killed the Chinese- preacher. Kung-tsun is about 40 miles south-west of Peking. No. 39. Sir C, MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received May 19.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 19, 1900. ; IN continuation of my telegram of yesterday's date, I have the honour to- report that, when at the Yamen yesterday, I reminded the Ministers how I had, unceasingly warned them during the last six months how dangerous it was not to take adequate measures in suppression of the Boxer Societies. I said that the result of the apathy of the Chinese Government was that now a Mission chapel, a few m.iles distant from the capital, had been destroyed. I bJCS The Ministers admitted that the danger of the Boxer movement had not previously appeared to them so urgent, but that now they fully saw how serious it was. On^the previous day an Imperial Decree had been issued, whereby specified metropolitan and provincial authorities were directed to adopt stringent measures to suppress the Boxers. This, they believed, would not fail to have the desired effect. No. 40. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received May 20.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 20. 1900. THERE are reports current here that the mob at Yunnan-fu are threatening serious danger to English and Erench missionaries. .27 I am informed by the Yamen that the importation of arms by the Prench Consul has been the cause of trouble, but that there is no danger, as sufficient troops hare been sent there by the Viceroy. I have sent telegraphic inquiry to the missionaries, requesting facts. No. 41. Sir C. Mac Donald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — [Receiced May 21.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 21, 1900. BOXER disturbances. With reference to my telegram of the 17th instant, I have the honour to report that all eleven foreign Representatives attended a meeting of the Diplomatic Body held yesterday afternoon, at the instance of tlie French Minister. The doyen was empowered to write, in the name of all the foreign Representatives, a note to the Yani^n to the effect that the Diplomatic Body, basing their demands on the Decrees already issued by tlie Palace denunciatory of the Boxers, requested that all persons •who should print, publish, or disseminate placards wliich menaced foreigners, all individuals aiding and abetting, all owners of houses or temples now used as meeting places for Boxers, should be arrested. 'I hey also demanded that those guilty of arson, murder, outrages, &c., together with those affording support or direction to Boxers while committing such outrages, should be executed. Finally, the publication of a Decree in Peking and the Northern Provinces setting forth the above. The doyen of the Diplomatic Body, accordingly, sent in the note this morning. No. 42. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received May 21.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 21, 1900. WITH reference to my telegram of to-day's date, the foreign Representatives decided at their meeting to take further measures if the disturbances still continued, or if a favourable answer was not received to their note within five da3's. The meeting did not decide what measures should be taken, but the Representatives were generally averse to bringing guards to Peking, and, what found most favour, was as follows : — With the exception of Holland, which has no ships in Chinese waters, it was proposed that all the Maritime Powers represented should make a naval demonstration either at Shanhaikuan, or at the new port, Chingwangtao, vyhile, in case of necessity, guards were to be held ready on board ship. My colleagues will, I think, send these proposals as they stand to their Governments. As the Chinese Government themselves seem to be sufficiently alarmed, I do not think that the above measure will be necessary, but, should the occasion arise, I trust that Her Majesty's Government will see fit to support it. No. 43. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received May 21.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 21, 1900. WITH reference to my telegram of to-day's date, I had a private interview with my Russian colleague, who came to see me before the matter reached its acute stages. M. de Giers said that there were only two countries with serious interests in China : England and Russia, He thought that both landing guards and naval demonstrations were to be discouraged, as they give rise to unknown eventualities. However, since the 18th instant, he admits that matters are grave, and agreed at once to the joint note. [758] E 2 28 Xo. 44. The Marquess oj Salisbury to Sir C. MucDonald. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, May 22, 1900. " BOXER " agitation : Your telegram of the 21st May. Her Majesty's Government note your concurrence in the measures advocated by the Conference, and will support you. No. 45. Sir C. Scott to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received May 23.) (Telegraphic.) St. Petersburgh, May 23, 1900. CHINA. Minister for Foreign Affairs is apparently satisfied by a telegram he has just received from Peking that further pressure will be rendered unnecessary by the Chinese Govera- ment at last taking sufficiently energetic measures. No. 46. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received May 24.) (Telegraphic.) Peking. May 24, 1900. HER Majesty's Consul at Tien-tsin reported by telegraph yesterday that a Colonel in charge of a party of the Viceroy's cavalry was caught, on the 22nd instant, in at* ambuscade near Lai-shui, which is about 50 miles south-west of Peking. The party were destroyed. No. 47. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received May 25.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 25, 1900. TSUNG-LI Yamen have replied to the note sent by the doyen of the Corps Diplomatique, reported in my telegram of the 21st May. They state that the main lines of the measures already in force agree with those required by the foreign Representatives, and add that a further Decree, which will direct efficacious action, is being asked for. The above does not even promise efficacious action, and, in my personal opinion,, is unsatisfactory. I have, however, not yet had an opportunity of consulting my colleagues. No. 48. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess oJ Salisbury. — {Received May 27.) (Telegraphic.) . Peking, May 27, 1900. WITH reference to my telegram of the day before yesterday, I have the honour to report that at the meeting of the Corps Diplomatique, which took place yesterday- evening, we were informed by the French Minister that all his information led him ta believe that a serious outbreak, which would endanger the lives of all European residents in Peking, was on the point of breaking out. The Italian Minister confirmed the information received by M. Pichon. The Russian Minister agreed with his Italian and French colleagues in considering the latest reply of the Yamen to be unsatisfactory, adding that, in his opinion, the Chinese Government was now about to adopt effective measures. That the danger was imminent he doubted, but said that it was not possible to disregard the evidence adduced by the French Minister. We all agreed with this last remark. 29 M. Picljon then urged that if the Chinese Government did not at once take action guards should at once be brought up by the foreign Representatives, Some discussion then ensued, after which it was determined that a precise statement should be demanded from the Yamen as to the rr.easures they had taken, also that the terms of the Edict mentioned by them should be communicated to the foreign Representatives. Failing a reply from the Yam^n of a satisfactory nature by this afternoon, it wae resolved that guards should be sent for. Baron von Ketteler, the German Minister, declared that he considered the Chinese Governnjent was crumbling to pieces, and that he did not believe that any action based on the assumption of their stability could be efficacious. The French Minister is, I am certain, genuinely convinced that the danger is rea and owing to his means of information he is well qualified to judge. No. 49. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisburi/. — {Received May 27.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 27, 1900. IN continuation of my telegram of to-day, I have to report that 1 had an interview with Prince Ch'ing and the Yamen Ministers this afternoon. Energetic measures are now being taken against the Boxers by the Government, whom the progress of the Boxer movement has, at last, thoroughly alarmed. The Corps Diplomatique, who met in the course of the day, have decided to wait another twenty-four hours for further developments. No. 50. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. MacDonald. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, May 27, 1900.- ' , "BOXER" disturbances. Your telegram of the 27th instant. if you consider It necessary for the protection of the lives of Europeans you may send for marine guard. No. 51. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — {Received May 29.) S^'*' Admiralty, May 29, 1900. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, a copy of a telegram, dated the 29th May, from the Commander-in-chief, China, relative to the dispatch of two ships of war to Taku. I am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MACGREGOR. Inclosure in No. 51. Vice-Admiral Sir E. Seymour to Admiralty. (Telegraphic.) Liukuntau, May 29,11900. IN consequence of unsettled state of affairs at Peking, I have sent "Orlando " and " Algerine " to Taku, ready to land guards if required by Minister. 30 No. 52. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received May 29.) (Teles^raphic.) Peking, May 29, 1900. SOME stations on the line, among others Yeng-tai, 6 miles from Peking, together with machine sheds and European houses, were burnt yesterday by the Boxers. The line has also been torn up in places. Trains between this and Tien-tsin have stopped running, and traffic has not been resumed yet. The situation here is serious, and so far the Imperial troops have done nothing. Eo. 53. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received May 29.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 29, 1900. IT was unanimously decided, at a meeting of foreign Representatives yesterday, to send for guards for the Legations, in view of the apathy of the Chinese Government and the gravity of the situation. Before the meeting assembled, the French Minister had already sent for his. No. 54. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received May 31.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 30, 1900. PERMISSION for the guards to come to Peking has been refused by the Yam^n. I think, however, that they may not persist in their refusal. The situation in the meantime is one of extreme gravity. The people are very excited, and the soldiers mutinous. Without doubt it is now a question of European life and property being in danger here. The French and Russians are landing 100 men each. No. 55. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received May 31.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 30, 1900. LEGATION guards. My telegram of yesterday's date. French, Russian, and United States' Ministers, and myself, were deputed to-day at a meeting of the toreign Representatives to declare to the Tsung-li Tamen that the foreign Representatives must immediately bring up guards for the protection of the lives of Europeans in Peking in view of the serious situation and untrustworthiness of the Chinese troops. That the number would be small if facilities were granted, but it must he augmented should they be refused, and serious consequences might result for the Chinese Government in the latter event. In reply, the Yam^n stated that no definite reply could be given until to-morrow afternoon, as the Prince was at the Summer Palace. As the Summer Palace is within aa hour's ride we refused to admit the impossibility of prompt communication and decision, and repeated the warning already given of the serious consequences which would result if the Viceroy at Tien-tsin did not receive instructions this evening in order that the guards might be enabled to arrive here to-morrow. The danger will be greatest on Friday, which is a Chinese festival. 31- No. 56. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received May 31.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, May 31, 1900. LEGATION' guards. My telegram of to-day. Provided tliat the number does not exceed that of thirty for each Legation, as on the last occasion, the Yam^n have given their consent to the guards coming to Peking. A report, which has, however, not been confirmed, has come from Tien-tsin that the French and Russian guard coming up the river to Tien-tsin turned back, owing to threats on the part of the Chinese that they would open fire on them. It was decided this morning, at a meeting of the foreign Representatives, to at'oace bring u|) the guards that are ready. These probably include the British, American, Italian, and Japanese. No. 57. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — (Received May 31 ) Sir, Admiralty, May 31, 1900. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, a copy of a telegram, dated 31st May, from the Commander-in-chief on the China station. I am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MACGREGOR. Inclosure in No. 57. Vice-Admiral Sir E. Seymour to Admiralty. (Telegraphic.) fVei-hai Wei, May 31, 1900. AS affairs at Peking are becoming more serious, I am leaving at once for Taku with " Centurion " and " Whiting." " Endymion " and " Fame " will follow. No. 68. Sir 0. Scott to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received May 31.) (Telegraphic.) St. Petersburgh, May 31, 1900. CHINA. Reports of discussions and decisions of foreign Representatives at Peking precisely similar to those contained' in Sir C. MacDonald's telegrams have been received by the Russian Foreign Office, but from a later report Count MouraviefF gathers that the danger is now less acute, and his Excellency evidently hopes that more vigorous action of the fresh troops which are being sent by the Chinese Government to check the Boxers may avert the necessity of bringing guards to Peking. No. 59. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received June 1.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, June 1, 1900. LEiiATiON guards. The report that the French and Russian guards were turned back or went back on the 30th ultimo is confirmed. British, American, Italian, Russian, French, and Japanese guards arrived yesterday. Facilities were given, and there were no disturbances. Our detachment consists of three officers and seventy -five men, and a machine gun. 32 No. 60. Sir E. Monson to the Marquess of Salisbury, — {Received June 2.) (Extract.) Paris, May 31, 1900. OBSERVING in Sir C. MacDonald's telegram of the 27th May, which your Lordship was so good as to communicate to me, that the French Minister at Peking seemed to be taking the lead in calling upon his colleagues to take precautions against coming danger from the Boxer Associations, I called on M. Delcass^ on the 29th instant, and asked him what news M. Pichon had sent him. His Excellency had before him a telegram which he had just received, and which had been dispatched, I believe, the previous day from Peking, reporting what had passed at the meeting of the Diplomatic Representatives before any decision had been arrived at as to sending for foreign troops to guard the Legations. M. Delcass6 told me that M. Pichon was a very cool and sensible man, and not likely to lose his head ; that he had not asked for authority to send for troops to guard the French Legation. For the rest, said his Excellency, the general instructions of which M. Pichon is in possession give him full authority to send for troops on his own responsibility if ever he should consider the need of them to be urgent. No. 61. Sir C, MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received June 2.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, June 2, 1900. THE city is comparatively quiet, but mui'ders of Christian converts and the destruction of missionary property in outlying districts occur every day, and the situation still remains serious. The situation at the Palace is, I learn from a rel'able authority, very strained. The Empress-Dowager does not dare to put down the Boxers, although wishing to do so, on account of the support given them by Prince I'uan, father of the hereditary Prince, and other conservative Manchus, and also because of their numbers. No. 62. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 2.) '(Telegi'aphic.) Peking, June 2, 1900. THIRTY Europeans, most of whom were Belgians, fled from Paoting-fu via the river to Tien-tsin. About 20 miles from Tien-tsin they were attacked by Boxers. A party of Europeans having gone to their rescue from Tien-tsin severe fighting ensued, in which a large number of Boxers were killed. Nine of the party are still missing, including one -lady. The rest have been brought into Tien-tsin. No. 63. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received June 3.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, June 2, 1900. WITH reference to my telegram of to-day, I am informed by the French Minister that he has learnt on good authority that the Empress-Dowager is preparing to fly to Sian-fu in Shensi, owing to hostile demonstrations of the Boxers against herself. The Russian Minister, who came to see me to-day, said he thought it most imperative that the foreign Representatives should be prepared for all eventualities, though he had no news confirming the above report. He said he had been authorized by his Government to support any Chinese authority at Peking which was able and willing to maintain order ic case the Government collapsed 33 In reply to a que?tion as to whether I shared his opinion, T ?aid I was quite sure tliat Her Majesty's Government desired the maintenance of hiw and order by any properly constituted Chinese authority, and would support any measures having that object in view, but that I was without instructions in the matter. No. 64, The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. MacDonald. ( Uelegraphic") Foreign Office, June 3, 1900. I APPROVE your reply to the Russian Minister at Peking, as reported in your telegram of yesterday, respecting the attitude of Her Majesty's Government in the event of a collapse of the present Chinese Government. No. 65. Sir C. Scott to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 4.) My Lord, St. Petersburgh, May SO, 1900. WHKN I attended Count Mouravieff's weekly reception to-day, I found that his Excellency had received from M. de Giers precisely similar reports of the discussions of the foreign Representatives at Peking in view of the serious danger of the Boxer outl)reak as were communicated in Sir C. MacDonald's telegrams to your Lordship, which I received this morning. Count Mouravieff' said that the danger of the situation was undoubtedly more serious than it had been when he last spoke to me, inasmuch as the Representatives had apparently thought it necessary to summon the guards to the capital, a s in the event of his believing himself to be in personal danger, it will bo open to him to take refuge on board one of Her Miijcsty's ships. I am, &c. (Signed) FRANCIS BERTIE. No. 137. Foreign Office to Admiralty. Sir, _ Foreign Office, June 15, 1900. I AM directed by the Marquess of Salisbury to transmit to you a copy of a telegram from Shanghae, which has been communicated by the China Association to this Depart- mei.t, relative to the importance of having a sufficient force on the Yangtsze for the protection of the interests of this country during the present crisis. Mr. Pelham Warren, Acting Consul-General at Shanghae, in his telegram of the 14th instantjt of which a copy has been sent to you, also urges the necessity of British interests on the Yang-tsze being efficiently protected, and states that it would, in his opinion, be advisable to send a large man-of-war to Nanking, and to assure the Viceroy that he will receive the support of Her Majesty's Government in maintaining order. Lord Salisbury concurs in Mr. Warren's view as to the desirability of arriving at some understanding on the subject with the Viceroys both at Nanking and Hankow, and he would be glad if arrangements could be made for the dispatch of one of Her * No. isi. t ^o 128. [758] I ns Majesty's ships to N'anking with instructions to communicate with the Viceroy in the sense suggested, and for a similar intimation being conveyed to the Viceroy^ at Hankow. I am. &c. (Signed) FRANCIS BERTIE. Inclosure in No. 137. Telegram from Shanghae Committee to General Committee. WITH a view to preventing possible disturbance Yang-tsze River, it is very- important that there shoukl be adequate force prepared to protect our interests. There are at present above Hankow the " Esk," " Woodlark, " Woodcock,"' and " Snipe." Nothing below. Key to the situation — Kiang-yin. No. 138. Foreign Office to India Office* Sir, Foreign Office, June 15, I'JOO. IN view of the considerable force of British and Indian troops which is being sent from Hong Kong to Taku on the requisition of the Naval Commander-in-chief on the China station, the Marquess of Salisbury desires to submit, for the consideration of the Secretary of State for India, the question of replacing them by the dispatch to Hong Kong of one or two battalions of native troops from India. It is possible that more may be required. The men who have been lauded from the British squadron at Taku cannot be spared for long from the ships ; and having regard to the present state of affairs in China, and the impossibility of foreseeing the course which events in the Far East may take, it appears to his Lordship very desirable that the British garrisons should be maintained at their full strength. A similar letter has been addressed to the War Office. I am, &c. (Signed) ST. JOHN BROBRICK. No. 139. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — (Received June 16.) Sir, Admiralty, June 16, 1900. WITH reference to your letter of the loth instant, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to request you to state to the Marquess of Salisbury that they concur in his proposal that in the event of the Viceroy of lien-tsin being in personal danger on account of his correct attitude, he should be allowed to take refuge on board one of Her Majesty's ships. Copy of a telegram on the subject Avhich has been this day sent to the Rear- Admiral at Taku is inclosed for information. I am, &c. (Signed) H. -T. VAN SITTART NEALE. * Also to M'ar Officf, 59 '^ .• ' Iiiclosure in No. 139, Admiraity to Rear -Admiral Bruce. (Tele£?raphic.) Admiralty, June 16, 19D0. IN cYCMit of Viceroy, Tien-tsin, being in pei-sonal clanger owing to liis loyalty to British, lie is to be afforded an asylum on board one of Her Majesty's ships. Eoreign Office is informing Consul accordingly. No. 140. Admiralty to Foreign Office, — {Received June 16.) iSir, Admiralty, June 16, 1900. IN reply to your letter of the 15th instant, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, copy of a telegram, dated this day, which has been sent to the Senior Naval Officer, Shanghae. I am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MACGREGOR. Inclosure in No. 140. Admiralty to Senior Naval Officer, Shanghae. (Telegraphic.) Admiralty, .Tune 16, 1900. " ilERMIONE " proceed Nanking and communicate with Viceroy, assuring him of support of Her Majesty's Government in preserving order and protecting British interests; in the event of disturbance, consult with Consul, Shanghae, before leaving. " Linnet" to proceed to Hankow for simiLir purpose and to give similar assurance to Viceroy there, and to communicate with Consul there. " Undaunted " leaves Hong Kong to-day for Woosung. No. 141. Mr, Whitehead to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 16.) (Telegraphic.) Tdkio, June 16, 1900, JAPANESE troops are to leave Ujina on the 21st June, and should arrive about the 24th June at Taku. They will consist of one battalion with two or three guns, making about 1,200 men in all. The cruizer " Yoshino " left for Taku this morning with Admiral Dewa. No. 142. Consul-General Warren to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 16.) (Telegraphic.) Shanghae, Jane 16, 1900. The last intelligence we possess is that on the night of the ISlh'June there were serious disturbances in Peking, when hundreds of converts and servants of foreigners were murdered. It is stated that no Europeans were killed. Many buildings belonging to foreigners were destroyed. it is not probable that communication with Tien-tsin, which is now interrupted, will be restored at any early date. L75S] I 2 60 1^0.143. The Marquess of Salisbury to Consul Carles. (Telegrapliic.) Foreig7i Office, June 16, 1900. IF possible, communicate with Admiral by runner. You should inform hiiu that 950 troops have been ordered to Taku from Hong Kong. You should also ascertain his position, wliether he needs reinforcements or supplies, and what lis prospects are. No. 144. The Marquess of Salisbury to Consul Carles. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, June 16, 1900. WITH reference to your telegram of the 15th June, you should inform Viceroy that it is open to him to take refuge on one of Her Majesty's ships in the event of hi? considering himself in personal danger. No. 145. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. MacDonald. Sir, Foreign Office, June 16, 1900. I HAVE received your despatch of the 16tli April, reporting further negotiations with the Chinese Government on the subject of anti-Christian Societies in the Provinces of Shantung and Chihli. I approve your proceedings in the matter. I am, &c. (Signed) SALTSBUllY. No. 146. The Marquess of Salisbury to Mr. Whitehead. Sir, - Foreign Office, Jane 16, 1900. THE Japanese Charge d Affaires called at this Office on the 11th instant and communicated the substance of a telegram which he had received from Viscount Aoki, instructing him to ascertain the attitude of Her Majesty's Government in the present crFsis in China, and to inquire confidentially what action Her Majesty's Government would take should the Chinese Government prove themselves incapable of restoring peace and order and of protecting foreigners in China. By my direction, Mr. Villiers informed Mr. Matsui that a force from the various squadrons at Taku was advancing on Peking, and that it was impossible to predict what the position of affairs would be on its arrival ; that Her Majesty's Minister and the British Admiral had been loft a wide discretion as to the best course to pursue, and that it was the desire of Her Majesty's Government to act with Japan and the other Powers interested in the restoration of order. I am, &c. (Signed) SALISBUllY. No. 147. Sir C. Scott to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (^Received June 1 7.) (Telegraphic.) St. Fetersburgh, June 17, 1900. ACCORDING to information I have received, either to-morrow or Tuesday (he "Official Gazette " will announce the issue of orders for the immediate dispatch of a force from Port Arthu. to relieve the situation in Peking; this force will vary from 61 2,000 to 5,000 strong, according to necessity. A statement of the exact number of troops to be sent will be made on receipt of a telegram which is expected. An explanation will accompany the announcement to the etfect that to co-operate in the general interest for the protection of European lives and property is the sole aim of this expedition, and that it in no way indicates any desire to depart from the Emperor's settled peaceful and unaggressive policy. No. 148. Commander Gaunt to Admiralty. — {Communicated by Admiralty, June 17.) (Telearapliic.) Luu-hun-tao, June 17, 1900. WRITING on the evening of the 15th instant, the Rear-Admiral tells me that the Commander-in-chief is cut oft" 40 miles from Peking by Chinese troops and Boxers. If 2,000 Chinese troops, which were staled to be trying to cut Tien-tsin off from Taku,. advanced, the Council of Admirals have decided to shell the Taku forts. Her Majesty's ship "Piioenix" is at Chifu, and Her Majesty's ship " Peacock " is here. The telegraphic communication with the north is interrupted. I send the above because 1 am in doubt as to whether you have been informed of the present situation. No. 149. Count Mouravief to M. de Staal. — {Communicated by M. de Staal, June 18.) (Traduction.) (Telographique.) Saint-Pe'tersbourg, le 3 (16^ Juin, 1900. DES le moment ou les evenements alarmants ont surgi en Chine, tous les eftbrts- du Gouvernement ont tendu k attirer I'attention des Ministres Chinois sur les suites dangereuses que la surexcitation de la nation pourrait provoquer el a convaincre le Tsung-li Yam6n d'appliquer les mesures les plus ^nergiques pour le r^tablissen-.ent de I'ordre et de la securite dans le pays. Malhcureusement les conseils amicaux donnes |)ar ic Representant de la Russie ainsi que ceux des autres Puissances a Pekin ont echoue ; la revolte des Boxers dcvient de plus en plus menagante ; la vie et la pro- priete des suJL'ts Strangers se trouvent en danger; enfin, les chemins de fer etant (ietruits et les lignes telegraphiques coupees, les Gouvernements sont dans I'impossi- bilite de rester en rapports directs avec leurs Legations h Pekin. Par conse'quent il est indispensable de |)rendre des mesiires les plus efficaces afin d'a?surer la s6curite de la Legation Imp^riale et des sujets Russes residant dans le pays. Dans ce but Sa Majeste I'Empereur a daigne ordonner d'envoyer un contingent de 4,000 soldats k la disposition du Ministre de Russie a Pekin. Le danger de I'etat actuel des choses est recotmu par tout le monde; ainsi, le Representant de la Grande-Bretagne s'est adresse a notre Legation pour se renseigner dans quelle mesure le Gouvernement Imperial etait pret a contribuer aux efforts tendant h mettre fin nux complications existantes. Quelques autres collogues de M. de Giers ont sollicite, de leur c6t6, I'aide et la-. ])iolcction de la Legation Rus.?e pour leurs nationaux. II est entendu que i'cnvoi teuiporaire du de'tachement de troupes Russes a en vue en premier lieu la securite cle la Legation Imp^M'iale et celle des sujets Russes residant dans le nord de la Chine et na comporte aucune intention hostile h I'egard de cc pays avec lequel nous entretenons des riipports d'amitie et de bon voisinage. Au contraire, il est prescrit au detachement d'agir d'accord avec les troupes de descente des autres Puissances et de prater aide, en ni^me tcnq)S, au (iouvernemtnt Chinois dans I'oeuvre du retablissement de la tranquillitc si necessaire aux inteiets primordiaux de la Chine elle-m^me. (Translation.) (Telegraphic.) St. Petersburg h, June 3 (16), 1900. FROM the moment of the occurrence of events of an alarming nature in China the Government has exerted every effort to draw the attention of the Chinese Ministers to the dangerous consequences which might result from the excessive 62 national excitement, and to induce llie Tsung-li Yamen to adopt more vigorous measures for the re-establishment of order and security in the country. Unhappily, the friendly counsels of the Russian Representative, as well as those of the other Powers at Peking;, have failed. The revolt of the Boxers constantly assumes a more menacing- aspect. The life and jiroperty of foreig-n subjects arc in ?cctling there, he had desired to be informed Avhether the action at Takvi was rea^arded by the foreign PoAvers as constituting a state of war witli the Chinese Government. The French Government desired to ascertain the view of the Russian Government on the subject. The opinion of Count Lamsdorff wfis that, as it was not to be assumed that the Chinese troops were acting on instructions from the Cliinese Government, but by compulsion of the Boxeirs, the Powers were not in a state of war with China. I met M. de Witte yesterday, and lie took the same view as tliat expressed on Wednesday by Count Mouravieff with regard to the situation in the nortli of China. The summons to Li Himg-chang he regarded as a favourable sign of the Empress' desire to arrange matters Avith the Powers. lie said that he expected that before any reinforcements from Europe could arrive the whole trouble would be over. No. 186. Rear-Admiral Bruce, at Taku, to Admiralty. — {Communicated by Admiralty, June 25.) (Telegraphic.) Despatched from Port Arthur, June 17, lliOO. (Delayed on Chinese lines.) COUNCIL of Admirals this morning decided to attack Taku forts 2 o'clock in the morning 17th June, if not previously surrendered, for purpose of trying to relieve Com- mander-in-chief and allied forces marching on Peking, and situation of affairs at Tien-tsin. Presented ultimatum to Chinese Governor at Tien-tsin aiul Commandant of forts this afternoon. Chinese telegraph lines interrupted. Situation of affairs over all China very critical. Towns on the Yang-tsze-Kiang anxious for protection. Commander-in-chief is still cut ofFfnnn all communication. Report arrived to-day that the Legations at Peking have been attacked. Tuan, new Head of Foreign Affairs in China, in my belief is head of the Boxers. [Am] saving such missionaries as I hear reach coast. No. 187. Rear-Admiral Bruce to Admiralty. — {Communicated by Admiralty, June 25.) (Telegraphic.) Chefoo, June 24, 1900. TOTAL force which left Tien-tsin with Commander-in-chief for Peking about 2,000, composed of detachments of the allied ships. German and American Flag Captains were with Commander-in-chief. Captain Bayly, " Aurora," has been the commander, heart and soul, of the defence of Tien-tsin, assisted by Captain Burke, " Orlando." No action could be possibly taken to relieve the Commander-in-chief, because it vras only known he was cut off by Tien-tsin being invested. Tien-tsin has been fighting for its life ever since. It was on receij^t of information that Chinese army had ordered trains for attacking Tien-tsin, ravaged Tongkn, and were reinforcing Taku, as well as mining the moutli of the Peiho, that it was promptly determined to seize Taku just in time, since when every effort has been made to relieve Tien-tsin. Have commandeered small coasting steamer for taking troops sick and wounded across the bar and to Wei-hai Wei, where I intend making temporary base hospital and asylum for refuge until South China has settled down. 75 No. 188. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. Scott. (Tele^rapliic.) Foreign Office, June 2o, 1900. t i llEQUEST that you will inquire of the Russian Minister for I'oreign Affairs whether liis Government will give their approval to dispatch of a Japanese force of from 20,000 to 30,000 men, if Japanese Government are willing to undertake it, for the restoration of order at Tien-tsin and Peking. No. 189. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. Scott. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, June- 2^, 1900. IS your conversation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the subject' mentioned in my telegi-am of to-day, you may draw his Excellency's attention to the following considerations : Her Majesty's Government assume that the Russian Government will further reinforce their troops speedily, and are themselves sending some 10,000 troojjs from India ; but it is clear that these reinforcements will not arrive in time to rescue the two forces at present surrounded or the Legations at Peking. No. 190. The Marquess of Salisbury to Mr. Whitehead. Sir, Foreign Office, June 25, 1900. THE Japanese Charge d' Affaires requested to see me to-day. He asked me what arrangements the Powers were making with respect to the China crisis. I inforintd him of the troops that were being sent by the various Powers, and that the officers on the s])ot were left to arrange with each other the measures that were most suitable for relieving the nationals of the various Powers Avho were in danger. I pointed out to him that considerable time must elapse before the relief from India or Europe could arrive, and that Japan was situated in a manner more favourable for immediate action. I asked him how long it would take to send a considerable, force from Japan. He said that would depend upon the locality in Japan from Avhich the force was sent, but he thought that if all preparations were complete, four days w^ould be required for the passage. He did not, however, intimate that there was any chance of an immediate completion of the preparations. He said that he had received no instruc- tions from his Government, but that, in his own opinion, it was not likely they would send a very large force. He thought some assurance Avould be required that tliere was no objection on the part of other Governments which have interests in the East. I have telegraphed to St. Petersburgh to ascertain whether the Russians would approve of an expedition of 25,000 or 30,000 ti- )ops, and have urged upon the German Government that they should support us in tliis appeal. I am, &c. (Signed) SALISBURY. No, 191. The Marquess of Salisbury to Viscount Gough. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, June 26, 1900. THE crisis in China. Please inform Minister for Foreign Affairs that I have telegraphed to Her Majesty's Ambassador at St. Petersburgh to inquire whether the Russian Government would approve of a force of from 20,000 to 30,000 men being sent by Japan to Taku [758] . L 2 ■ 76 I gather from the Japanese Charge d' Affaires, with whom I had an interview kite? last night, that his Government, unless they receive some assurance that it will not lead to complications with other Powers interested, will not give effective assistan(;c. I hope the German Emperor will concur in our wish to procure such au assurance from Russia, and that His Majesty will be willing to lend us his assistance in obtaining it. No. 192. Acting Consul- General Warren to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 26.) (Telegraphic.) Shanghae, June 26, 1900. A TELEGRAM has been received from the Governor of Shantung, Yuan-shili- Kai, to the effect that he has frequently sent out scouts to get news, but that, as a rule, the Boxers have killed them all. According to his latest information the foreign Miuisters in Peking were unharmed up to the 20th instant. No. 193. Mr. Whitehead to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 26.) (Telegraphic.) T6M6, June 26, 1900. JAPANESE reinforcements. Your telegram of the 22nd instant. I received official information this morning from the Minister for Eoreigu Affairs that it has been decided by the Japanese Government to mobilize and hold ready one division, which, including the force already sent, will make a total of about 13,000 men. If emergency arises, he states that transports will be available at any moment. No. 194. Sir Chihchen Lofengluh to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 26.) My Lord Marquis, Chinese Legation, June 26, 1900. REFERRING to my letter of the 22nd instant, I have the hononr to inform 3 our Lordship that, in reply to the telegram I sent requesting that special prccantions should be taken in the Province of Szechuen for the protection of the foreigners there employed by Mr. Pritchard-Morgan and the Upper Yang-tsze Syndicate, I have received the following telegram from his Excellency the Viceroy ot Hiiquang : — "Your telegram has been received, and the A'^iceroy of Szechuen has been requested to give the desired protection. " In the Upper and Lower Yang-tsze, the Viceroy of Nanking and myself will, under any ciicumstances, afford adequate protection to foreign merchants, missionaries, and native Christians residing in our respective Governments. Please assure Lord Salisbury that no apprehension need be entertained as to this." I have, &c. (Signed) LOEfiNGLUH. No. 195. Sir Chihchen Lofingluh to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received June 26 ) THE Chinese Minister presents his compliments to the Marquess of Salisbury, and, at the request of the Viceroy of Huquang, has the honour to communicate to his Lordship the following translation of a telegram he has received from liis Excellency, dated 6 a.m., the 23rd June : — The rebels in the northern provinces, called by the name of " Boxers," have, in defiance of the Imperial Decree, overrun and devastated a large tract of country in the 77 vicinity of Peking, taking the lives of many persons, natives as well as foreigners of various nationalities, including a member of the Japanese Legation at Peking. The present lamentable state of affairs, which the Imperial Government deplore as a national calami!}', is doubtless attributable to the culpable negligence of the provincial authorities, who surely could never have* foreseen the large proportions which the Boxer movement was fated to take; otherwise they would have suppressed it in the commencement. I am very apprehensive lest the continued occupation of the Taku forts should, lead to a breach of harmonious relations between China and the Treaty Powers. The Enipress-Dowager and the Emperor have summoned Li Hung-chang to Peking by telegraph, in order to concert measures with the Government to the end that an under- standing may be come to with the Treaty Powers ; but a fortnight must necessarily elapse before he can arrive, and meanwhile the Treaty Powers are dispatching additional troops to China, which may have the effect of aggravating the gravity of the situation, and of, perhaps, precipitating matters beyond recall; thus creating new opportunities for other disaffected factions to join the Boxers, or even to act independently of them in their fell work of murder, rapine, and plunder. The intentions of the Imperial Government are entirely pacific and in favour of friendly relations with the Treaty Powers. This is shown by the absence of any instruc- tions to the provincial authorities to take measures with a view to defence. You should endeavour to induce the Governments to whom you ai'e accredited to instruct their respective naval Commanders in the neighbourhood of Tien-tsin to remain on the defensive until such time as Li Hung-chang shall have arrived in Peking and memorialized the Throne, with respect to the satisfaction to be given to the Powers. In this way, freed from the dread of drifting into war with them, we shall be at liberty to devote .ill our energies to the suppression of the rebellion. The Viceroys of the provinces bordering on the Yang-tsze having taken precautions against the possibility of any troubles occurring Avithin their respective jurisdictions, na apprehension need be entertained as to their ability and readiness to afford the fullest measure of protection to foreigners residing at the riverine ports. It might, however, be otherwise, should hostilities be continued at Tien-tsin. The situation, then, being so critical, I would impress on you the necessity of your exerting yourself to the utmost in order to induce Great Britain to be forbearing, and not to press matters unduly in the nort,h. The provincial authorities of the central provinces all agree with me as to the extreme desirability of these recommendations being attended to, and join me in requesting you to bring to the notice of the Foreign Secretary all the considerations I have given expression to in this telegram. Chinese Legation, June 26, 1900. No. 196. Sir Chihchen Lofengluh to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 26.) My Lord Marquis, ' Chinese Legation, June 26, 1900. WITH reference to the telegram from the Viceroy of Huquang, dated AVoochang. the 23rd June, Avhich I have had the honour of communicating to your Lordship, I beg leave to state that I have received another telegram from his Excellency, instructing me to inform you that the under-mentioned Viceroys and Governors of provinces, being in complete accord with him as to the views expressed by him in the p.aid telegram, have expressed a desire to be considered as co-Signatories with him of that communication : — ■ Li Hung-chang, Viceroy of the Two Kwangs. Lieu Kwun Yih, A^iceroy of the Two Kiangs. "Wang Chi Chiin, Governor of Anhwei. Yiien Shi Kai, Governor of Shantung. Yii Lin San, Governor of Hunan. In requesting your Lordship to take note of this, I venture to express the "hope that the adherence of these important functionaries to the telegram of the Viceroy of Huquang may be viewed by your Lordship as lending additional weight to the consid<3rations advanced by him in favour of a policy of abstention, on the part of the 78 Treaty Powers, from extreme measurci in the present unhappy condition of a pait of Northern China. I have. &c. (Signed) LOFfiNGLUH. No. 197. Rear-Admiral Bruce to Admiralty. — {Communicated by Admiralty, June 26.) (Telegraphic.) Chefoo, June 28, 1900. COMMANDER CRADOCK, commanding British contingent, 'Jien-tsin relief, reports Tien-tsin communicated uilli and reinforced 23id June. Commander-in-chief reported 10 miles from Tien-tsin, hampered by sick and wounded, and engaged with enemy. Force landed : — German, 1,340; American, 335; Russian Naval Brigade, 235, troops, 3,.'300 ; Japanese Naval Brigade, G02, troops, l.OAO, expected 2Gth June, 2,100; Austrians, 26 ; Italian, 138 ; French, 421, 3 I'.ii. 25th June French expect: one; battery artillery, one battalion infantry. No. 198. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. MacDonald. ^r, ' Foreign Office, June 26, 1900. THE Chinese Minister called to-day, and communicated to me the following telegram, wliich he had received from the Viceroy of Huquang, dated the 23rd June : — " The rebels in the northern provinces, called by the name of ' Boxers,' have, in defianc;; of the Imperial Decree, overrun and devastated a large ti-act of country in the vicinity of Peking, taking the lives of many persons, natives as well as foreigners of various ualiionalities, including a member of the Japanese Legation at Peking. " The present lamentable state of affairs, which the Imperial Government deplore as a national calamity, is doubtless attributable to the culpable negligence of the provincial authorities, who surely could never have foreseen the large proportions which the Boxer movement was fated to take. Otherwise, they would have suppressed it in the commencement. " I am very apprehensive lest the continued occupation of the Taku forts should lead to a breach of harmonious relations between China and the Treaty Powei-s. The Empress-Dowager and the Emperor have summoned Li Hung-chang to Peking by telegraph, in order to concert measures with the Government, to the end that an understanding may be come to with the Treaty Powers, but a fortnight must necessarily elapse before ho can arrive, and meanwhile the Treaty Powers are dispatching additional troops to China, Avhich may have the effect of aggravating the gravity of the situation, and of perhaps precipitating matters beyond recall, thus ci'eating new opportunities for other disaffected factions to join the Boxers, or even to act independently of them in their fell work of murder, rapine, and plunder. " The intentions of the Imperial Government are entirely pacific, and in favour of friendly relations with the Treaty Powers. This is shown by the absence of any instructions to the provincial authorities to take measures Avith a view to defence. "You should endeavour to induce the Governments to whom you are accredited to instruct their respective Naval Commando's in the neighbourhood of Tien-tsin to remain on the defcnsiA'c until such time as Li Hung-chang shall have arrived in Peking and memorialized the Throne Avith respect to the satisfaction to be giA^en to the Powers. In this Avay, freed from the dread of drifting into Avar Avith them, Ave shall be at liberty to deA^ote all our energies to the suppression of the rebellion. " The Vicei'oys of the ])rovinces bordering on the Yang-tsze having taken precautions against the possibility of any trouble occurring Avithin their respective jurisdictions, no apprehension need be entertained as to their ability and readiness to 79 afford the fullest measure of protection to forei'f^nr'rs residing!: at the riverine ports. It might, however, he otherwise should hostilities l)e continued at Tien-tsin. " The situation, then, heing so critical, I would impress on you the necessity of your exerting yourself to the utmost in order to induce Great Britain to he forhcaring, and not to press matters unduly in the north. The provincial authorities , of the central provinces all agree with me as to the extreme desirahility of these recommendations heing attended to^ and join mc in requesting you to bring to the , notice of the Foreign Secretary all the considerations I have given expression to in this telegram." The Chinese Minister also informed me that the Viceroy of Huquang had, in a subsequent telegram, requested him to inform me that the under-mentioned Viceroys and Governors of provinces being in complete accord with him as to the vieAvs expressed in the telegram already quoted, have expressed a desired to be considered as CO- Signatories with him of that communication : — Li Ilung-chang, Viceroy of the Two Kwangs. Lieu Kwun ~Yih, Viceroy of the Two Kiangs. Wang Chi Chiin, Governor of Anhwei. Yiien bhi Kai, Govei'nor of Shantung. Yii Lin San, Governor of Hunan. Liofengluh said that he hoped that the adherence of these important functionaries to the telegram of the Viceroy of Huquang may be viewed as lending additional Aveight to the considerations advanced by him in favour of a policy of abstention on the ' part of the Treaty Powers from extreme measures in the present unhappy condition of a part of Northern China. I replied that we were actuated in the steps wc had taken by anxiety for Her Majesty's Minister and Sir E. Seymour, and the other British subjects whose lives were in danger. If he would procure from them a written assurance that they were in safety, and a request that all military operations should be arrested, that result would, so far as we w^ere concerned, immediately take place. (Signed) * ' SALISBURY. No. 199. Acting Consul- General Warren to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 27 .) (Telegraphic ) Shanqliae, June 27, 1900. ACTING under instructions from the Viceroy, the Taotai of Shanghae asked the foreign Consuls to meet him yesterday in order to discuss the situation. He asked the Consuls at the meeting to telegraph to their respective Governments, suggesting that they should declare neutral all the districts otlier than those north of where fighting is actually in progress, and that if that were done they would then be able to guarantee the maintenance of order. The allied Admirals' Proclamation, dated the 20th June, was the Consuls' reply. They declared that the foreign Powers were only fighting against the Boxers and those persons who opposed the forces sent to Peking to rescue their countrymen there. That the duty of keeping the peace rested with the Chinese officials, and that they need have no apprehension of any attack on our part if no breach of peace or act of war was committed by China. No. 200. Consul Carles to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received June 27.) (Telegraphic.) Tien-tsin, via Chefoo, June 27, 1900. BRinSH column, under Major F. Morris, R.W.F., and Naval Brigade, under Commander Cradock, arrived at noon, 550 men strong; 1,500 Russians ai-e reported to be at Tien-tsin Railway Station ; 150 Americans and 50 Italians have also arrived 23rd June. 80 No, 201. Consul Carles to the Marq^iess of Salisbury. — {Received June 27.) (Telegrapliic.) Tien-tsin, June 27, 1900. HEAVY firing lias been heard for tliirty-six liours nortli of Tien-tsin, where the Commander-in-chief is believed to be at a place named Pei-tsang, about 9 miles from here. A note was received yesterday morning by the Commissioner of Imperial Customs from the Inspector-General, dated 19tli June, 4 p.m., stating that the Legations had been ordered to leave Peking within twenty-four hours. No. 202. Sir C. Scott to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received June 27.) (Telegrapliic.) St. Petersburgh, June 27, 1900. COUA'T LAMSDOEPP has been at Peterhof with the Emperor all day, and early to-morroAV morning he has to return there, but I have been able to communicate in writing to him the sense of your Lordship's telegrams of 25th June, and ho promises that as soon as he is enabled to do so he will give me an immediate reply. There is an utter absence of news at the Eussian Poreign Office with regard to the present situation in and near Tien-tsin. No. 203. Sir E. Monson to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received June 27.) (Telegraphic.) ^ Paris, June 27, 1900. M. DELCASSE iaforms me that, beyond the two declarations he has already made in the Chamber, he has no statement to offer for the information of the Government of Japan in connection with the meeting of the foreign Representatives which the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs convoked at T6ki6. On the question of the co-operation of J;ipan on a large scale, his Excellency did not give me any intimation of his opinion. On the whole, M. Delcasse's language was less optimistic than that which seems to have been held at St. Petersburgh to Her Majesty's Ambassador. No. 204. The Marquess of Salisbury to Acting Consul- Genera I Warren. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, June 27, 1900. YOUR telegram of to-day. Your answer to the Taotai is approved. No. 205. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir Chihchen Lofengluh. 'Sir, Foreign Office, June 27, 1900. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your note of yesterday's date, containing a telegram received by you from his Excellency the Viceroy of Huquang relative to the protection of foreigners and native Christians residing in the Yang-tsze provinces. ] have to thank you for your action in the matter. I have, &c. (Signed) SALISBURY. 81 No. 206. Consul Carles to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 28.) (Telegrapliic.) Ticn-tsin, via Cliefoo, June 24, 1900. NEWS was brought yesterday by Bighain's servant, who is quite trustworthy, of the Commander-in-chief. He was being bombarded by a large number of guns in a small arsenal called Wuku, north of Tien-tsin, which he had seized. His losses were about 40 killed and 70 wounded, and relief was urgently needed. Force to succour him leaves to-night. Comparatively slight damage was done to the foreign Settlements, which were shelled from the 18th to the 23rd June, except in the French Concession, which suffered severely ; the British Consulate was also a good deal knocked about. The British casualties up to date of relief are 4 killed and 50 wounded, among the latter being 6 officers. No. 207. Admiralty to Rear-Admiral Bruce. — {Communicated by Admiralty. June 28.) (Telegraphic.) Admiralty, June 28, 1000. IT is proposed to make Wei-hai Wei the base for troops in the north of China, and all ships containing stores will be directed to call at Hong Kong for orders. No. 208, Sir C. Scott to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 28.) (Telegraphic.) -S^ Petersburgh, June 28, 1900. FOLLOWING official telegram from Admiral AlexiefF, dated Port Arthur, the 26th June, published by Russian \yar Office this evening : — " On 24th June, General Stessel forced his entrance into Tien-tsin and effected junction with Anisimoff. Losses not groat ; details later." No. 209. Sir C, Scott to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 28,) (Telegraphic.) St. Petersburgh, June 28, 1900. FURTHER official telegram from Admiral Alexieff, Port Arthur, 27th .June. During night of 26th, detachment from Tien-tsin, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Shirinsky, and consisting of four Russian companies and similar number of foreigners, liberated Seymour detachment, escorting it to Ticn-tsin ; 200 of Seymour detachment wounded. No. 210. Sir C. Scott to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 28.) (Telegraphic.) St. Petersburgh, June 28, 1900. I COMMUNICATED your Lordship's telegram of the 25th June to LamsdorflF, and have just received his Excellency's reply. The Russian Minister at T6ki6 has b6en instructed by telegraph to make the following reply to the Government of Japan : - " We can only highly appreciate the sentiments expressed by Japan in present circumstances, as also her view of Chinese affairs. We have no desire to hinder her. liberty of action, particularly after her expression oi' a firm intention to conform her action to that of the other Powers. [758] M 82 " As regards Russia, her intentions have heen clearly defined by the official com- munique published on the 24th instant. " Admiral Alexieff has further received orders to regulate the measures which he might find necessary eventually to take in accordance with the developments in Xorth China." No. 211. Acting Consul- General Warren to the Marquess of Salisbury, — {Received June 28.) (Telegraphic.) Shanghae, June 28, 1900. I HAVE received the following telegram from Her Majesty's Consul at Chungking for transmission to your Lordship :■ — "In order to have a possible means of escape for the women and children, I have taken it upon myself to detain the British merchant-steamer " Pioneer " at Chungking. A state of great anxiety prevails here owing to there being no gun-boat. I communi- cated with the Admiral by telegraph on the 19th June through tbe Consulate-General at ShanghaCj but I have not as yet received any reply. There are no means of com- municating with Sir C. MacDonald. I am sending by mail a full report of what has been done." No. 212. Acting ConsaUGeneral Warren to Ihe Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 28.) (Telegraphic.) Shanghae, June 28, 1900. 1 HAYE received the following message from the Nanking Viceroy : — " I received the following Imperial Rescript on 26th June by telegraph : — " ' The Imperial Government continues as usual to accord every protection to the foreign Legations at Peking.' " No. 213. Mr. Whitehead to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 28.) (Telegraphic.) Tokio, June 28, 1900. 1 HAVE to-day been informed by Viscount Aoki that the division now mobilized would probably be very shortly embarked. Viscount Aoki further stated that the communication, which in accordance with the instructions contained in your Lordship's telegram of the 22nd instant I made to the Japanese Government, w^as considered by them to be not so much a mere inquiry as a suggestion. It w^as possible for them to reply directly or indirectly, and they have chosen what seemed the preferable course by mobilizing their troops. No. 214. Consul Scott t') the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received June 28.) (Telegraphic.) Canton, June 28, 1900. I AM informed by Li Huug-chaug that he has received an Imperial Edict, by which he is commanded to remain in residence for the present, so as to insure the preservation of order in the district. 83 No. 215. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. MacDonald. Sir, _ ^ Foreign Office, June 28, 1900. THE Chinese Minister called on me to-day, and said that the Viceroy Li Hung- chang had requested him to inform me that the foreign Representatives at Peking were safe at Pei-stang, a station on the Tien-tsin-Peking Railway, some 16 miles to the north of Tien-tsin. I am, &c. (Signed) SALISBURY. No. 216. Count Lamsdorff to M. de Staal. — {Communicated by M. de Staal, June 29.) (Traduction.) (Telegraphique.) Saint-Pe'tersbourg, le 15 (28) Juin, 1900. NOtjS avous ete renseignes sur I'intention du Japon de participer au retablissement de I'oi'dre en Chine par Sir Charles Scott et par M. Isvolsky. Ce dernier a et6 muni a cet eft'et des instructions suivantes : — En appreciant hautement les sentiments d'amitie qui animent le Japon, et qui ont dicte a Mr. Aoki les ouvertures qu'il vous a faites, ainsi que I'attitude parfaitement correcte de cette Puissance en vue des evenements survenus en Chine, nous ne voudrions pas entraver la liberty d'action du Cabinet de T6ki6, d'autant j)lus qu'il est tout dispos6 a faire concorder cette action avec celle des autres Puissances. Quant aux intentions de la Russie, le Gouvernement Imperial les a fait connaltre dans le communique officiel recemment public. (Translation.) (Telegraphic.) St. Petersburgh, June 15 (28), 1900. WE have been informed of the intention of Japan to take part in the re-estab- lishment of order in China by Sir C. Scott and M. Isvolsky. The latter has been furnished with the following instructions in regard to the matter: — While appreciating the friendly sentiments which animate Japan, and which have suggested to Mr. Aol■■■.(/< ( ^r ,-.. . ' 'v.. Killfd. Wounded. Britisl. v,7 97 American 4 25 l''ici-ch 1 10 r German 12 .62 Italian .5 3 .Tapar.efe 2 3 Austrian 1 1 ilussian 10 27 86 No. 220. Consul Carles to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received June 29.) (Telegraphic.) ■ Tien-tsin, via Chefoo, June 29, 1900. AT a Consular meeting held to-day it was unanimously agreed to make the following suggestion to our respective Governments, viz., that the Chinese Government should be informed that in case the persons of the foreign Ministers are touched, the Mausolea of the dynasty will be destroyed by the European troops. The Commander-in-chief gave his support to this decision on the 26th instant, and it is to be communicated to all the Admirals. No. 221. Consul Tratman to the Marquess of Salishuri/. — (Received June 29.) (Telegraphic.) Chefoo, June 29, 1900. NOTHING definite is known of Ministers, but they are supposed to be still in Peking. The damage done to Tien-tsin has been exaggerated ; English ladies are still there and likely to remain. Admiral Seymour has been lelieved, and has returned to Tien-tsin with a loss of 62 killed and 212 wounded. No. 222. Acting Consul-General Warren to the Marquess of Salisburi/. — (Received June 30.) (Telegraphic.) Shanghae, June 29, 1900. THE following has been received from a reliable source, and the language of the Viceroy Liu and the Shanghae Taotai confirms its general terms : — " The Viceroy has received through the Governor of Shantung a Secret Decree dated the 20th June. This Decree, which is very curiously worded, is considered by the Chinese as the testamentary command of a dying Government, The Governors and Viceroys are ordered to protect the provinces under their administration, and to render assistance at the same time in the critical situation of affairs at Peking. The Chinese are of opinion that its language practically gives absolute authority to the Viceroys. " A message has been received by Li Hung-chang from Jung-lu dated the 21st June, telling him to pay no further attention to Decrees from the capital. In combination with the Yang-tsze Viceroys, Li Hung-chang has agreed no longer to recognize the Peking Government. " A copy of the Secret Decree is in my possession. The language employed is non- committal, but I consider that Prince Tuan probably usurped the imperial power about the 21st June. It is reported thai Jung-lu is attempting to co-operate with the Chinese Viceroys and is opposed to him." No, 223. Admiralty to Foreign Office. — [Received July 1.) Sir, Admiralty, July 1, 1900. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit, for the information of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, copy of a telegram, dated the 30th June, from Rear-Admiral Bruce, concerning the situation in China. I am, &c. (Signed) EVAN MAOGREGOR. 86 Tnclosure in No. 223. Hear-Admiral Bruce to Admiralty. (Telegraphic.) • Via Chefoo, June 30, 1900. THE conduct of Commander Stewart, " Algerine," and Commander Lanz, "litis" (German), at bombardment Taku forts was magnificent, and elicited admiration of allied ^fps. River route to Tien-tsin, 51 miles from Taku, now open. Railhead now 9 miles from Tien-tsin, and road inwards not [now .?] quite safe. Communication with Com- mander-in-chief, Tien-tsin, difficult. Force with Cradock had \o fight way into Tien-tsin. Cradock also Commander storming party previously forts at Taku. Fort which commanded river 13 miles above Taku was found deserted by Lieutenant and Commander Keyes, and blown up by him, leaving passage up the river free. Keyes reports to-day arsenal Tien- tsin captured 27th June. Kaval brigade losses : Five men killed. Lieutenant Colomb, " Endymion," slightly wounded ; Gunner May and twenty-one men wounded. No further details. Warrender quite well, doing very good work, taking charge of all our forces on river and along lines of communication. Vice-Ad miral Alexiefl^, Governor-General of Port Arthur and Liaotung Province, Commander-in-chief of all Russian forces in the East, has just arrived on his way to Tien-tsin, taking supreme command of Russian forces. Captain Jellicoe shot through lung, doing very well. Forces landed to date : — 1 Officers. i Men. Germany , . ' , . British Austria . . . , . . . . . . America . . , , . . , . France . . . . . . . . . . Italy Japan Russia .. .. ,. 44 184 12 20 17 7 119 117 1,300 1,700 127 329 387 131 3,709 6,817 Total 520 • 13,500 With 53 field guns, 36 machine guns. No details yet of killed and wounded with Commander-in-chief. No. 224. Viscount Gough to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July 1 .) (Telegraphic.) Berlin, July 1, 1900. WITH reference to your Lordship's telegram of the 26th June respecting the Japanese expedition, I have the honour to state that the German Government have sent me the following reply : — " No particulars (' modalitaten ') of the proposed Japanese intervention are in their possession ; they are unable to judge whether the interests of third Powers would be affected by it, or whether the responsibility of supporting it could be undertaken by Germany. " Order can be restored in China, and the Empire's existence and the peace of the world be continued only by the maintenance of the accord which has hitherto existed among the Powers. " Germany would therefore only take part in the steps which Her Majesty's Government have proposed, if, from the outset, she felt certain that the above-mentioned indispensable accord would not be thereby endangered." I am sending by post to-night copy and translation of the reply of the German Government. 87, No. 225. Acting Consul-General Warren to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July 1.) (Telegraphic.) Shanghae, July 1, 1900. THIS morning news has been received here from Peking up to the 26th ultimo; all the power is in the usurper Tuan's hands and the situation is very grave. The Empress- Dowager and the Emperor are both in Peking but powerlet;s. Tung-fu-hsiang, the Mahom'iiedan General with 15,000 well-drilled Kansu men and Tuan with Manchu troops, are determined to resist foreign troops. Jung-lu beseeches foreign Powers to reseue their subjects while there is time. Viceroys and Governors of all the southern and central provinces have united to resist the usurper and ask for assurance from Powers that the war shall not spread south however bad the situation at Peking may become. I have again given them assurances that Her Majesty's Government vnll not land troops except in the north while the Chinese authorities continue to maintain order. News has reached Sheng from Paoting-fu that German Minister has been murdered. I consider the positioa of foreigners in Peking extremely critical. They are said to have taken refuge at the British Legation. No. 226. Acting Consul-General' Warren to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July \.) (Telegraphic.) Shanghae, July 1, 1900. 1 TELEGRAPHED to-day to Yuan-shih-Kai, Governor of Shantung, for the purpose of urging him to follow the example of the three great Viceroys in standing firm in the cause of order. His reply is as follows : — "With regard to your telegram of to-day: My views are the same as those of the Viceroys. The rebels have reached Peking, have for a long time interrupted communica- tion and have overrun the country. A messenger reached me on the 26th June with information that the foreign Representatives were still in the capital." No. 227. . • Vice-Admiral Sir E. Seymour to Admiralty. — {Communicated by Admiralty, July 1.) (Telegraphic.) Chefoo, July 1, 1900. ARSENAL north-east of Tien-tsin Settlement captured the 27th June by combined forces. British engaged were Naval Brigade and 1st Chinese Regiment. No. 228! Consul Tratman to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July 1.) (Telegraphic.) Chefoo, July 1, 1900. ON the 13th June the German Minister at Peking was murdered by native troops. On the 23rd June there were only three Legations remaining. It is not stated which they were. No. 229. Lord Currie to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received July 2.) My Lord, Rome, June 28, 1900. I ASKED M. Visconti-Venosta to-day what steps the Italian Government intended to take with regard to events in China. He said that they wished to take part in any concerted action that may be taken 88 by the Powers for the protection of Europeans, and for the re-establishment of order. They could not contribute as Invgely to these ends as most of the other Powers interested in the Far East, but small contingents had already been landed from the Italian ships, and had acted with the international forces. There were at present only two Italian men-of-war in Chinese waters, but another was on its way, and two more would start in a few days, and would be provided with extra crews, so as to strengthen the ships already on the station and provide men for landing parties. Another vessel would be got ready with all dispatch. So that in a short time the Italian Squadron in Chinese waters would be composed of six vessels. It was not decided to send any soldiers at present, as it was uncertain whether they would be required, but, in the event of circumstances making it desirable that Peking or any. other point should be occupied l)y an international force, Italy would be ready to send a contingent to take part in such occupation, and would reserve her decision as to any larger force that might be eventually required. It was impossible at present to judge how far the movement in China was likely to spread, and what efforts might be required to cope with it. It was the wish of the Italian Government, M. Visconti-Venosta said, to co-operate with Great Britain and the other Powers, and he would be very glad to learn whether the course which they proposed to fo'low met with the concurrence and sympathy of Her Majesty's Government. I have, &c. (Signed) CUIIEIE. No. 230 Viscount Goiujh to the \Jarquef, 1900. i COMMUNICATED yesterday to Viscount Aoki the substance of your tele- grams of the 2nd instant. He promised that he would immediately submit these to the Prime Minister. He said, however, that, in his opinion, it was not possible to relieve the Legations, as the approach of a foreign army would be the signal for a massacre. He had attempted to communicate with the Chinese Government, if such a thing exists, by means of the southern Viceroys, but they are also out of touch with the capital. His Excellency considers that 70,000 men at least would he necessary for a military expedition to Peking, as at this season the difficulties are very great. No. 249. Acting Consul-General Warren to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July -1.) (Telegraphic.) Shanghae, .My 4., 1900. I AM in receipt of a telegram from Her Majesty's Consul-Geiicral at Hankow stating that according to information given him by the Viceroy, Peking is reported by Jung-hi to be in a state of anarchy. I think it would be a good thmg if I could give assurances to both the Viceroys, that tliey may count on every assistance bemg given them by Her Majesty's Govern- ment in any endeavours to resist attacks on the part of either the.Boxers or the usurping Prince Tuan in these districts, and also that for this purpose a strong naval force will be concentrated at Woosung. Her Majesty's Consul at Chungking telegraphs that danger is imminent there and asks that the " Woodcock" may be sent at once. No. 250. Acting Consul- General Warren to the Marquess of Salisbury. — [Received July 4.) (Telegraphic ) Shanghae, July 4, 1900. SHBNG TAOTAI has received following from Yuan Shih Kai :— " A messenger has reached here who started on the 27th June from Peking. He stated that the two Legations were being attacked by rioters and soldiers, over 100,000 in number, who had surrounded them, but had not yet succeeded in breaking through their defence. The Boxer Society has been joined by those connected with tlie Palace inside, as well as outside of it, even to the Princes. " The city gates are half-opened daily during half the day, and every one is worshipping the god of Boxers." No. 251. The Marquess of Salisbury to Acting Consul- General Wa^-ren. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 4, 1900. REPORT approximately the number of Europeans in Yang-tsze ports, and their distribution. If their lives should be in great peril, where and how would you recommeud that they should be concentrated ? Communicate with the Consuls on the Yang-tsze if you think proper. [758] O 98 No. 252. . t The Marquess of Salisbury to Mr. Whitehead. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 4, 1900, FOLLOWIN'G just received from Admiral Seymour: — " [Repeats Admiral Seymour, 30th June, communicated by Admiralty 4th July.*] This indicates a position of extreme gravity. You should communicate telegram at once to Japanese Ministers. Japan is the only Power which can send rapid rein- forcements to Tien-tsin. ISo objection has been raised by any European Power to this course. No. 258. Brigadier- General Dorward to the Secretary of State for War. — {Communicated byi War Office, July 5.) (Telegraphic.) Tien-tsin, via Chefoo, July 4, 1900. OWING to further news from Peking, it has been decided, 29th June, at a meeting of Consular Body Tien tsin to hand over situation to military authorities. Military situation as follows : — ■ ' Hussians, 4,000 strong, occupy left bank river liero. Settlements on right bank occupied by about 2,500 troops of other nations, inclusive oi naval contingents.. About 3,500 troops, other than Russian, British, and chiefly consisting of Japanese,, daily expected. Owing want of transport, no possibility of advance all the troops on Peking for the present. Tbere is possibility, but not great probability, of attack upon Settle- ments by Chinese troops in force within the next fortnight. In that case positions- held by Prench, British, Japanese, American, Italian forces would be unfavourable,, owing to proximity of enemy's batteries and densely populated city. Russian position is a good one till rainy season ; German Settlement has only a few buildings, and is not an unfavourable defensible position. At a meeting of officers commanding foreign troops 29th June, we considered what steps should be taken to resist the attack upon Settlements by strong force of Chinese. I pointed out if enemy were allowed to enter city Prench Settlement would be hardly tenable, and British, American, Italian, Japanese, troo2:)S would be very imfavourably placed. I advised that steps should be taken by occupation of defensible positions well outside city to deny it to enemy. All officers present agreed to recommendation except German, Russian, who prefer to resist the attack in their present positions on ground that, in their opinion, combined forces were not strongs enough to hold positions outside. Bussian General Officer Commanding was not present, but was represented by Chief of the Staff. Impossible to deny city to strong enemy without help from Bussians. Meeting was presided over by Admiral Seymour, and was adjourned pending arrival of Admiral Aiexieff, Governor- General, Eastern. Siberia, and Japanese General Puksima. Both expected shortly. Steps will be taken to at once improve defensive position [of] Prench and British Settlements. Water supply can only be diminished — not destroyed — by Chinese. Advance to Peking can be made best up the river owing to want of rain. It is- "said that crops have been planted only on the bank of river, leaving open country on both sides [of] planted strips. However high crops grow, these strips will not be dis- advantageous to advance by river, which can be carried on to within 15 miles from Peking. Boats suitable for river traffic are being collected. Steps are being taken to repair line of railway and telegraph line here to Taku. Line of railway to Peking appears to be completely destroyed. Taking into consideration latest information of strength of enemy between this and Peking, and disjointed nature of mixed forces, 25,000 men will be necessary for advance to Peking. See No. 245. 9i^ ISo. 254. Vice-Adrniral Sir E. Seymour to Admiralty. — [Communicated by Admiralty, JJy 5.) (Telegraphic.) Tien-tsin, July 2, via Chefoo, July 4, 1900. AT the Council to-day it was decided to attack remaining arsenal and the city 3rd July. Courier from Peking reports having passed on 1st July from 8,000 to 10,000 Chinese troops marching towards Tien-tsin about 28 miles distant. Have been forced to conclusion that quite 40,000 troops will be required for advance on Peking and to keep communications. Forces now in Tien-tsin : — American, 218 ; British, 1,940 ; French, 840 ; German, 650; Japanese, 1,095; Russian, 4,480. Total, 9,223. No. 255. Viscount Gough to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July 5.) (Telegraphic.) Berlin, July 5, 1900. I HAVE received your Lordship's telegrams of the 2nd instant with reference to the proposal of Her Majesty's Government for a declaration by which all the autho- rities at Peking should be made responsible for the safety of the foreigners there. In tlie opinion of the German Government, no means, with any chance of success, should be left untried for saving the foreigners in Peking, and, although they do not count on any distinct result, they are quite prepared to join in the collective declara- tion proposed, and to send instructions accordingly to the German Consul at Tien-tsin. The above step, they appear to think, could have been taken in addition to the step which was proposed by the Consuls at Tien-tsin, if the Powers had approved that proposal. It was urged by the Consuls that the effect on the rioters would have been salutary, especially as the Prince, who is their principal leader, belongs to the very dynasty, whose tombs were to be threatened. The German Consul also describes the tombs as being situated near to Peking— probably not in Manchuria, but the so-called " Eastern " tombs at Malamyu, on this side of the Great Wall. No. 256. The Marquess of Salisbury to Acting Consul- General Warren. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 6, 1900. I HAVE received your telegram of the 28th ultimo. I request that you will inform Her Majesty's Consul at Chungking that Her Majesty's Gevernment approve his action in detaining steamer. The return of gun- boat there before October is not possible. No. 267. The Marquess of Salisbury to Acting Consul- General Warren. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 5, 1900. INFORM all the Viceroys, and any other Chinese authorities who, in your opinion, ought to know, that I have made the following communication to the Chinese Minister : — " The Chinese Minister is requested by Her Majesty's Governmeut to transmit, by telegraph, in such manner as will insure the message reaching the Government at Peking, notice that they will be held to be personally guilty if the members of the European Legations, and other foreigners in Peking, suffer injury." [7581 • 2 100 No. 258. The Marquess of Salisbury to Acting Consul- General Warren. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 5, 1900. WITH reference to my telegram of to-day respecting safety of Europeans on the Yang-tsze, you should inform Her Majesty's Consul at Chungking that he must use his discretion as to bringing Europeans down the river should the position there be dangerous. No. 259. The Marquess of Salisbury to Lord Currie. My Lord, _ Foreign Office, July 5, 1900. I HAVE received jour Excellency's despatch of the 28th ultimo, reporting a conversation you had had with the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs in regard to events in China, and the steps which the Italian Government are taking to strengthen their naval force in the China Seas. With reference to M. Visconti-Venosta's statement that the Italian Government would be prepared to send a regiment to take part in the occupation of Peking in the event of circumstances making such action desirable, and the desire expressed by him to know whether the course they proposed to follow meets with the concurrence of Her Majesty's Government, I have to request you to convey to his Excellency my best thanks for his courteous communication, and to state that Her Majesty's Government highly appreciate the desire of the Italian Government to co-operate with the other Powers in the restoration of order in China, and in the future arrangements to be made in regard to that country. I am, &c. (Signed) SALISBURY. No. 260. Mr. Whitehead to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July G.) (Telegraphic ) Tokio, July 5, 1900. WITH reference to my telegram of yesterday, a Memorandum, which is briefly as follows, Avas left by the Japanese Minister of Eoreign Affairs with me last night : — "Japanese Government consider troubles in north of China much more deep- rooted and of far wider bearings than might appear. While prepared to take fiill share in concerted action, they realize that expedition to Peking is extremely difficult and will require a very large force. In view of this they think it highly advisable that Powers concerned should now exchange views as to joint measures to be taken to meet eventualities." The Japanese Minister for Eoreign Affairs is, I believe, sending this to all the Governments concerned. No suggestion was made by his Excellency as to what these joint measures should be, but I understand that he means that his Government will send a large military expedition if, by previous agreement among the Powers, they are assured that Japan will be protected from complications, and will be reasonably indemnified for outlay of money and men. The Japanese Government are dispatching about 2,500 men at once, in addition to those already sent, in order to assist in holding Taku and Tien-tsin. 101 No. 261. Acting Consul-General Warren to the Marquess of Salisbury.— (Received July 6.) (_Telegraphic.) Shanghae, July 5, 1900. ALL Consuls here are sending following to-day to their Governments :— " Situation very grave. Boxer movement growing, and should the allied forces at Tieu-tsin fail to check it it will extend down to the centre and south of China and become a national movement, resulting in expulsion or murder of all foreigners iu interior and total ruin to foreign trade. " In view of this it is necessary that a force should be sent to check the advance and support Viceroys in keeping order." No. 262. Acting Consul- General Warren to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July 6.) (Telegraphic.) Shanghae, July 6, 1900. rOLLOWING is number of Europeans at Yang-tsze ports : — Shanghae, 7,000 ; Suchow, 37 ; Hangchow, 37 ; Chinkiang, 130 ; Nanking, 59 ; Kiukiang, 740 ; Wu-hu, 50 ; Hankow, 400 ; Ichang, 60 ; Chungking, 75. There is a man-of-war at all the Yang-tsze ports but Chungking. In case of serious danger, it would be best for Europeans to withdi-aw to Shanghae. Except in the case of Ichang and Chungking, river steamers arrive and depart at each port daily. No. 263. Viscount Gough to jhe Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July 6.) (Telegraphic.) Berlin, July 6, 1900. WHEN I communicated to the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the notice sent through Chinese Minister to Peking Government by Her Majesty's Government, he gave me to understand that a similar notice would be sent by the German Government to the Taotai Sheng, who, it is believed, has the means to forward it. No. 264. Sir H. Rumbold to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July 6.) (Telegraphic.) Vienna, July 6, 1900. I HAVE communicated to Austro-Hungarian Government warning sentjto Peking by your Lordship.* The Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs conveys his thanks for this message, and states that a proposal for a similar collective warning was received on the 5th July from Paris and agreed to although Austro-Hungarian Government feared it would ceme too late. I was told by Count Szecsen that the Consul-General for Austria-Hungary, at Shanghae, reported the position of affairs there to be threatening. Austro-Hungarian Ambassador in London has therefore been instructed to ask that a refuge on board Her Majesty's ships may be given to the Austro-Hungarian subjects and Consular authorities in case of danger. * See No. 257. ■• • • 102 ■ •; No. 265. The Marquess of Halishury to Mr. Whitehead. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 6, 1900. JAPAN is the only Power which can act with any hope of success for the urgent purpose of saving the Legations, and, if they delay, heavy responsibility must rest with them. We are prepared to furnish any financial assistance which is necessary in addition to our forces already on the spot. Her Majesty's Government wish to draw a sharp distinction between immediate operations which may be still in time to save the Legations and any ulterior operations which may be undei-taken. We may leave to future consideration all questions as to the latter. No. 266. The Marquess of Salisbury to Mr. Whitehead. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 6, 1900. JAPANESE troops for China : My telegram of to-day. In the circumstances we are prepared to undertake this financial responsibility, since a fatal expenditure of time would result from international negotiations on the point. No. 267. Mr. Whitehead to the Marquess of Salisbury. — {Received July 6.) (Telegraphic.) TokiS, July 6, 1900. WITH reference to your telegram of the 4th July, I have just received a visit from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, who informs me that reinforcements to make up the Japanese force to 20,000 men will be sent as rapidly as possible. No. 268. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir E. Monson. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 6, 1900. YOUR telegram of 4th July. We have suggested to Japanese Government that they should dispatch reinforce- ments to China as soon as possible. Inform French Government. No. 269. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir C. Scott. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 6, 1900. THE crisis in China. With reference to your telegram of 4th July, you should inform Uussiau Government that Her Majesty's Government have suggested to the Japanese Govern- ment that they should, with as little delay as possible, dispatch reinforcements to China. 103 No. 270. The Marquess of Salisbury to Acting Consul-General Warren. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, July 6, ] 900. DO you suggest in your telegrams of the 4th and 6th instant that the Viceroys, or any one of them, are now prepared to welcome the presence of a British force at](the Treaty ports of the Yang-tsze ? No. 271. The Marquess of Salisbury to Acting Consul- General Warren. (Telegr3,phic.) Foreign Office, July 6, 1900. YOU may give the assurances to the Viceroys you suggest in your telegram of the 4th instant. " There are thirteen ships on the Yang-tsze already, and, as ships become available, the force will be added to. No. 272. Admiralty to Senior Naval Officer, Woosung, — (Communicated by Admiralty, July 6.) (Telegraphic.) Admiralty, July 6, 1900. AUSTRO-HUiVGAllIAN Government ask that Her Majesty's ships may afCord protection to Consulate Shanghae, and, if necessary, receive staff on board. You are to afford such protection as may be possible. No. 273. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received July 9 ) My Lord, Peking, May 21, 1900. IN my despatch of the 16th April 1 had to report to your Lordship that in spite of the commencement of a firmer attitude on the part of the Chinese Government towards the anti-Christian movement in North China, there still existed indications of danger in this neighbourhood from the " Boxer" Society. The long-continued impunity accorded to this organization, and the supineness and procrastination which the Government had displayed in face of the constantly repeated representations of the foreign Ministers ever since the month of January, undoubtedly rendered the task of the Chinese authorities, when at last forced to awaken to the danger of the situation, much more difficult than it would have been if taken in hand at an earlier date. The result was that the activity of the "Boxers " showed no signs of diminution; reports of depredations in country districts indicated that armed bands of them were appioaching daily nearer to Peking; while in the city itself the frequent spectacle of numbers of young lads practising in a kind of hypnotic frenzy, the peculiar gymnastic evolutions inculcated by the craft, and the appearance of numerous virulent anti-foreign placards posted in conspicuous places, combined to create considerable alarm amongst the native Christians of all denominations, a feeling which they were not slow in trying ta communicate to their foreign spiritual directors. I take thisopportunity of inclosing a translation of one of these placards as a specimen of the silly superstitions which the leaders of this movement work on to further their designs. Several similar documents have been forwarded to this Legation, most of them less literary in composition, and containing more scurrilous abuse of foreigners, but all having for their theme the necessity of putting all foreigners to death. 1 have called the attention of the Yamen more than once to the posting of such placards, and have been assured that steps were being taken to put a stop to this dangerous practice. The inclosed copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Consul at Tien-tsin dated the 2nd May shows the elements of danger that exist in the north of the province generally. 101 On the 18th instant I received news through the London Mission of the destruction by "Boxers" of one of their chapels about 40 miles south-east of Peking, and the murder of a native preacher. I at once wrote to the Yamen — copy of letter inclosed — informing them of this outrage, and urging the necessity of strenuous measures to avoid further disturbances. I also called the same day at the YamSn to ask what steps were being taken, and to lay special stress upon the necessity of protecting outlying country districts. The Ministers present admitted that the Chinese Government had now come to regard the situation as serious. A Decree had been issued the day before calling on the Governor of Peking, the police censors, and the Peking Gendarmerie to concert measures for the immediate suppression of the movement, and to report within a few days what steps had been taken. As regards the country districts, the Viceroy of Chihli had been given special instructions to put down the " Boxers " rigorously. They discussed frankly the practical difficulties which had to be surmounted, but they assured me most solemnly for the information of Her Majesty's Government, that these difficulties would be sur- mounted, and that this Society could not fail to be suppressed within a short time. The tone and temper of the Ministers, even more than their words, gave me the impres!-ion of a distinct change for the better in their attitude, and I was encouraged to tind that in this respect, at least, my efforts and those of my colleagues during the i)ast six months had not been fruitless. The next day, 19th May, the Spanish Minister, as doyen of the Diplomatic Body, circulated the letter from the French Minister, and its inclostire, of which I have the honour to forward copies herewith, and called a meeting of the foreign Representatives for the following day to discuss their contents. "Your Lordship will observe that, in Mgr. Favier's letter to M. Pichon, the situation at Peking is painted in very dark colours. The Bishop declares that the conditions now are precisely similar to those preceding the Tien-tsin massacre of 1870, and asks that a guard of marines should be sent to protect the lives of French missionaries. At the meeting of the Diplomatic Body which took plate, accordingly, yesterday, the French Minister showed that he was profoundly impressed by the apprehensions of Mgr. Favier, and by reports which he had received from other sources. He expressed complete disbelief in the genuineness of the measures of which the Yanien had spoken to me, and declared that it was impossible to exaggerate the danger of the outlook. Mgr. Favier has lived in Peking for over thirty years, and is in constant touch with Ghinese of all classes, so that it was generally felt that, after making all due allowances for the colour which might have been lent to his words by the fears of his converts, his deliberately expressed opinion on the situation could not be treated with indifference. At the same time, we did not consider that the circumstances, so far as we were as yet in a position to judge, were such as to justify the bringing up of Legation Guards, and M. Pichon did not insist upon the immediate necessity for such a step. He produced the draft of a joint note which he proposed the doyen should be authorized to address to the Tsung-li Yamen, in which certain specific measures for the suppression of the " Boxers " were demanded, and, after some discussion, the terms of this note were accepted by the -meeting. It was sent in to the Yamen to-day, and 1 have the honour to inclose a copy iierewith. The German Minister laid stress at the meeting on the importance of deciding on some common action if the Yamen did not return a satisfactory reply to the note, or if the Chinese Government failed to carry out the measures demanded by the foreign Representatives. He considered that in such an event the calling up of guards was not sutiicient to bring the Chinese Government to a sense of their obligations. He thought that the most effective means of bringing pressure on the Government would be by ■ix concentration of ships of war near Shanhaikuan, from which parties could be landed, if necessary, to march for the protection of foreigners in Peking. This proposal was supported by the majority of the Representatives, and it was decided that we should recommend it to our respective Governments as a contingent measure. In concurring in this decision, I was largely guided by the fact that the joint note vdemands little more than the Chinese Government have already professed to be their principle in dealing with the disturbances, and that I, therefore, see no reason to anticipate an unfavourable answer. 1 had the honour to report to your Lordship by telegraph to-day the substance of what passed at yesterday's meeting. As regards my own opinion as to the danger to which Europeans in Peking are 105 exposed, I confess that little lias come to my own knowledge to confirm the gloomy anticipations of the French Father?. The demeanour of the inhabitants of the city continues to he quiet and civil towards foreigners, as far as my experience and that of my staff is concerned, although, from the undoubted panic which exists amongst the native Christians, it may be assumed that the latter are being subjected to threats of violence. I am convinced that a few days' heavy rainfall, to terminate the long-continued drought which has helped largely to excite unrest in the country districts, would do more to restore tranquillity than any measures which either the Chinese Government or foreign Governments could take. As this cannot be counted upon, my judgment as to the probability of continued security must be suspended until the Chinese Government shows by its action witliin the next few days, whether or not it has the will and the power to do its duty. I have, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. Inclosure 1 in No. 273. Placard posted in West City, Peking. (Translation.) IN a certain street in Peking some worshippers of the I-ho Ch'iian (" Boxers ") at midnight suddenly saw a spirit descend in their midst. The spirit was silent for a long time, and all the congregation fell upon their knees and prayed. Then a terrible voice was heard saying : — "I am none other than the Great Yii Ti (God of the unseen world) come down in person. Well knowing that ye are all of devout mind, I have just now descended to make known to you that these are times of trouble in the world, and that it is impossible to set aside the decrees of fate. Disturbances are to be dreaded from the foreign devils; every- where they are starting Missions, erecting telegraphs, and building railways ; they do not believe in the sacred doctrine, and they speak evil of the Gods. Their sins are numberless as the hairs of the head. Therefore am I wrath, and my thunders have pealed torth. By night and by day have I thought of these things. Should I command my Generals to come down "to earth, even they would not have strength to change the course of fate. For this reason 1 have given forth my decree that I shall descend to earth at the head of all the saints and spirits, and that wherever the I-ho Ch'iian are gathered together, there shall the Gods be in the midst of them. I have also to made known to all the righteous in the three worlds that they must be of one mind, and all practice the cult of the I-ho Ch'tian, that so the wrath o( heaven may be appeased. " So soon as the practice of the 1-ho Ch'iian has been brought to perfection — wait for three times three or nine times nine, nine times nine or three times three* — then shall the devils meet their doom. The will of heaven is that the telegraph wires be first cut, then the railways torn up, and then shall the foreign devils be decapitated. In that day shall the hour of their calamities come. The time for rain to fall is yet afar off, and all on account of the devils. "I hereby make known these commands to all you righteous folk, that ye may strive with one accord to exterminate all foreign devils, and so turn aside the wrath of heaven. This shall be accounted unto you for well doing; and on the day when it is don^, the wind and rain shall be according to your desire. "Therefore I expressly command you make this known in every place." This I saw with my own eyes, and therefore I make bold to take my pen and write what happened. They who believe it shall have merit ; they who do not believe it shall have guilt. The wrath of the spirit was because of the destruction of the Temple of Yii Ti. He sees that the men of the I-ho Ch'iian are devout worshippers and pray to him. If my tidings are false, may I be destroyed by the five thunderbolts. 4ith moon, 1st day {^April 29, 1900). * Meaning obscure. [768] 106 Inclosure 2 in No. 273, Consul Carles to Sir C. MacDonald. Sir, Tien-tsin, May 2, 1900. I HAVE the honour to report that the measures taken bv the authorities in tliis neighbourhood to repress the activity of the " Boxers " have produced some result, thoup-h placards of an offensive character are still widely distributed. At Yung Ching the author of some placards attacking the English Mission there had to apologise to the Rev. Mr. Norman, and the hostility of the people since then has apparently died away. The Magistrate at Tung-an-hsien, who has done his utmost to repress the " Boxers," had issued a reward for the arrest of the leaders and information as to their lodges, when instructions received by him, as it was reported, from the Empress Dowager, but which j)ro- bably were those contained in the recent Edict, led to the sudden withdrawal of the rewards posted, and to an immediate display of hostility by the people in the town towards native Christians of so marked a character that Mr. Grant, a missionary residing there, withdrew his family at once. The Viceroy, on my representing the matter to him, sent soldiers there, and within a few days an improvement was manifested. The worst placards I have seen emanate fromTa-ching-hsien. I communicated them to the Viceroy, and his Excellency at once issued orders for their suppression, and the punishment of their authors, if possible. M. du Chaylard informed me on the 22nd April last that he had received a telegram from Pao-ting, stating that the Christians of the environs of Lung-lu had been killed in great numbers in the village of Chiang-chia-chuang on the previous day. Two days later he told nie that the affray had, it was true, been of a serious character, but that only one Christian had lost his life, and that seventy '■' Boxers" had been killed. He also informed me that, acting on his advice, the Roman Catholic priasts had placed fire-arms in the hands of their converts. The only further details regarding this affair which have reached me came horn Pao-ting-fu, and were to the effect tliat 1,100 "Boxers" had been threatening the place, and that a collision occurred between them and the Roman Catholics, with the result mentioned by the French Consul- General. I am sorry to have to qualify my report as to the improvement by addin" that in the north and north-east of the province considerable uneasiness seems to exist. Brigandage in the country between Chao-yang and Chin-chou has broken out again, and in the neighbourhood of Jehol, I'ing-ch'uan, and Ta-tzu-k'ou : the " Chin Tan " and " Tsai Li" Societies are said to be preparing to revenge themselves for the punishment inflicted on the latter Society in 1891. I have, &c. (Signed) W. 11. CARLES. Inclosure 3 in No. 273. Sir C. MacDonald to the Tsung-li Yanien, MM. les Ministres, Peking, May 18, 1900. I HAVE just heard that at a place called Kung Ts'un, south of Ku-an and Cho- chou, a chapel belonging to the London Mission has been destroyed by " Boxers," and that a native preacher, named Chao Ting-chiin, has been killed after barbarous treatment. I also hear that at Wu-ch'ing, Fangshan, and other districts to the south of Peking, the people are in a state of dangerous unrest owing to the activity of this lawless organization, and that threats are openly made to attack Mission stations and put converts to death. 1 have the honour to remind your Highness and your Excellencies that for the last six months I have unceasingly, both by written communications and personal inter- views, striven to awake the Chinese Government to the extreme danger involved by their continued failure to take adequate measures for the complete suppression of the " I-ho- chiian '' and the " Ta-tao-hui."* My representations have been invariably met by assurances * " Pist of righteous liairaony," and " IMg knife '' Societie?. 107 that the dangers I apprehended were exaggerated, and that the Chinese Government were doing all that was necessary in the interests of peace. Now that riotous attacks on foreign Missions are taking place vvithin a few miles of the capital, I trust that your Highness and your Excellencies will at last cease to treat my representations with the apathy which has hitherto characterized the attitude of the Yamen, and it is in this hope that I hasten to bring to your notice this latest lamentable outrage, of which I have as yet received no detailed particulars. I avail, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. Tnclosure 4 in No. 273. M. Pichon to M. de Cologan. M. le Doyen et cher CoU^gue, Legation de France a Pe'kin, le 19 Mai, 1900. J'AI I'honneur de vous prier de vouloir bien communiquer a nos collegues la lettre ci-incluse qui vient de me parvenir. En presence des informations qu'elle soutient, et qui confirment cellcs qui me viennent de toutes parts ; en presence aussi de I'impossibilit^ d'obtenir du Gouvernement Chinois par une action isolee les mesures necessaires pour assiH'er la sdcurit6 des etrangers dans le Tche-ly et a Pekin, j'ai I'honneur de vous prier de vouloir bien convoquer d'urgence une reunion du Corps Diplomatique dans le but de deliberer sur la situation. Veuillez, &o. (Signe) S. PICHON. (Translation.) Sir and dear Colleague, French Legation, Peking, May 19, 1900. I HAVE the honour to beg that you will kindly communicate the contents of the inclosed letter, which has just reached me, to our colleagues. In view of the opinions that it upholds, which confirm those reaching me from all sides, and, further, owing to the impossibility of obtaining from the Chinese Government the necessary measures for insuring the safety of foreigners in Chih-li and in Peking by isolated action, I have the honour to request that you will kindly summon a meeting at once of the Diplomatic Corps for the purpose of discussing the situation. I have, &c. (Signed) S. PICHON. Inclosure 5 in No. 273. Pere Favier to M. Pichon. Vicariat Jpostolique de Pe'kin et Tche-ly Nord, M. le Ministre, Pe'kin, le 19 Mai, 1900. DE jour en jour la situation devient plus grave et plus mena^ante. Dans la Pre- fecture de Paoting-fu, plus de soixante-dix Chretiens ont 6t6 massacres ; trois autres neophytes ont ete coupes en morceaux. Plusieurs villages ont ete pilles et livres aux flammes ; un plus grand nombre d'autres ont ete compldtement abandonnes. Plus de 2,000 Chreiiens sont en fuite, sans pain, sans vetements et sans abri ; a Pekin seulement, environ 400 refugies, hommes, femmes et enfants, sont deja ioges chez nous et chez les soeurs ; avant huit jours nous en aurons probablement plusieurs milliers ; nous allons etre obliges de licencier les 6coles, les colleges et tous les hdpitaux pour faire place k ces raalheureux. Du cote Test le pillage et I'incendie sont imminents ; nous re^evons a chaque heure les nouvelles les plus alarmantes. Peking est cerne de tous cotes ; les Boxeurs se rapprochent chaque jour de la capitale, retard^s seulement par I'aneantissement qu'iis font des Chretientes. Croyez-moi, je vous prie, M. le Ministre, je suis bien inform^ et je [768] P 2 108 n avance rien a legeie. La persecution religieuse n'est qu'un rideau ; le but principal est I'extermination ties Europeens, but qui est clairement indique et ecrit sur les etendards des Boxeurs. Leurs affilies les attendant a Pekin ; on doit cornmencer par I'attaque des ^glises et finir par celle des Legations. Pour nous, ici au Pei-t'ang, le jour est meme tix6; tout la ville le connalt, tout le monde en parle, et I'effervescence populaire est nianifer.te. Hier soir encore, quarante-trois pauvres femmes avec leurs enfants, fuyant le massacre, sont ariivees chez les soeurs ; plus de 500 personnes les accompagnaient, en leur disant que, si elles ont echappes une fois, celles y passeront bientot ici avec les autres. Je ne vous parle pas, M. le Ministre, des placards sans nombre qui sont affich^s dans la ville contre les Europeens en general ; chaque jour il en paralt de nouveaux, plus clairs les uns que les autres, Les personnes qui ont assisle, il y a trente ans, aux massacres de Tien-tsin, sont frappees de la ressemblance de la situation d'alors avec celle d'aujourd'hui ; tnemes placards, nienics menaces, ni6mes avertisseraents, et meme aveugleuient. Alors aussi, comme aujouid'liui, les missionnaires ont ecrit, supplie, prevoyant I'liorrible reveil, Dans ces oirconstances, M. le Ministre, je crois de nion devoir de vous prier de vouloir bien nous envoyer, au moins au Pei-t'ang, quarante ou cinquante marins pour proteger nos personnes et nos biens. Cela s'est fait deja dans des circonstances beaucoup moins critiques ; et j'csp^re que vous prendrez en consideration mon humble supplique. Veuillez, &c. (Signe) ALPH. PAVIEE, Ev. Vic. Ap. de Pt'kin. , Ev. Coadjuteur. C. M. GUILLAUME, Vic. Gen. (Translation.) Apostolic Mission of Pekiny and North Chih-li, M. le Ministre, • Peking, May 19, 1900. THE situation becomes daily more and more serious and threatening'. In the Prefecture of Paoting-fu more than seventy Christians have been massacred, three other neophytes have been cut to pieces. Several villages have been looted and burnt, a great number of others have been completely deserted. Over 2,000 Christians are fugitives, being without food, clothes, or shelter ; in Peking alone about 400 refugees — men, women, and children — have already been given shelter by us and the Sisters of Charity; in another week's time we shall probably have several thousands to look after ; we shall be obliged to disband the schools, colleges, and all the hospitals, to make room for these unfortunate people. On the east pillage and incendiarism are imminent ; vve receive more and more alarming news every hour. Peking is surrounded on all sides; the Boxers are daily approaching the capital, being only delayed by their measures for exterminating all Christians. I beg you will be assured, M. le Ministre, that T am well informed and am making no statements at random. The religious persecution is only a blind, the main object is to exterminate the Europeans, and this object is clearly indicated and written on the Boxers' standards. Their accomplices in Peking are awaiting them ; they are to begin by an attack on the churches, and are finally to assault the Legations. For us, indeed, here at Pei-t'ang, the day of attack has actually been fixed ; the whole town knows it, everybody is talking about it, and the popular excitement is clearly manifest. Last night, again, forty-three poor women, with their children, flying from massacre, arrived at the Sisters' Home ; over 500 people accompanied them, telling them that, although they had succeeded in escaping once, they would soon all perish here with the rest. I will not speak of the numberless placards, M. le Ministre, which are posted in the town against Europeans in genera! ; new notices ap|)ear daily, each more clearly expressed than the last. People who were present at the massacres in Tien-tsin thirty years ago are struck by the similarity of the situation then with that of to-day; there are the same placards, the same threats, the same notices, and .the same want of foresight. Then also, as to-day, the missionaries wrote and begged, foreseeing the horrible awakening. Li these circumstancei^ M. lo Ministre, I think it is my duty to request you to send us, at least to Pei-t'ang, forty or (if'ty sailors, to piotect us and our belongings. 101) This lias been done on much less critical occasions, and I trust you will favourably "onsider m) humble supplication. I have, &c. (Signed) ALPII. FAVIER, Ev. Vic. Ap. de Pe'kin. , £lv. Coadjuteur. C. M. GUILLAUME, Vic-Gen. Inclosure 6 in No. 273. M. de Cologan to the Tsung-li Yamen. Pe'kin, le 21 Mai, 1900. J'AI rhonneur de commuuiquer a voire Altesse et a vos Excellences le texte d'une resolution prise liier par les Repr^sentaiits des Puissances e'trangeres accr^dit^s a P^kin :— •' Le Corps Diplomatique, s'appuyant sur les Decrets Trnperiaux deja rendus qui ont edicte la dissolution des Boxeurs, reclame : — "1. L'arrestation de tout individu se livrant aux exercices de cette association, provoquant des troubles sur la voie publique, affichant, imprimant ou distribuant des placards qui contiendraient des menaces contie les etrangers; " 2. L'arrestation des proprietaires et gardiens de temples ou autres endroits oil les Boxeurs se reuniraient, et I'assimilation aux Boxeurs eux-m6mes de ces complices de provocations criminelles. " 3. Le chatiment des agents de la force publique qui se rendraient coupables de negligence dans la repression dont ils seront charges ou qui seraient de connivance avec les dmeutiers ; " 4. L'ex^cution des auteurs d'attentats (meurtre, incendie, &c.) contre les personnes ou les proprietes ; " 5. L'execution des individus qui subventionnent et dirigent les Boxeurs dans les troubles actuels. " 6. La publication dans Pekin, dans le Tche-ly, et les autres provinces du nord, portant ces mesures h. la connaissance de la population." Je suis en outre charge par le Corps Diplomatique d'informer votre Altesse et vos Excellences qu'il attend dans le plus bref delai une r^ponse satisfaisante a cette demande. Je profite, &c. (Sign4) B. J. DE COLOGAN. (Translation.) Peking, May 21, 1900. 1 HAVP: the honour to communicate to your Highness and to your Excellencies the text of a Resolution which was adopted yesterday by the Representatives of the foreign Powers who are accredited to Peking : — " The Corps Diplomatique, relying on the Imperial Decrees which have already been issued for the suppression of the Boxers, demands: — " 1. The arrest of every individual who takes part in the drill of this Associa- tion, or creates disturbances in the streets', or who further posts, prints, or distributes placards containing threats against foreigners. " 2. The arrest of the proprietors and guardians of the temples or localities where the Boxers assemble, and the assimilation to the Boxers themselves of their accomplices in criminal actions. "3. The jjunishment of agents of the public force who are guilty of negligence in the measures of suppression with which they have been charged, or are in connivance with the rioters. "4. The execution of the authors of attempts (at murder or incendiarism) against persons or property. "5. The execution of individuals who have assisted and directed the Boxers in the present troubles. "6. The publication in Peking, and in Chih-li and the other northern provinces, of these measures, so as to bring them to the notice of the public." 110 I am further charged by the Corps Diplomatique to inform your Hi}2;hness and your Excellencies that a satisfactory answer to this demand is awaited with as short a delay as possible. I avail, &c. (Signed) B. J. DE COLOGAN. No. 274. Sir C. MacDonald to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received July 9.) My Lord, Peking, May 28, 1900. IN continuation of my despatch of the 21st instant, I have the honour to forward to your Lordship herewith a translation of the Yamen's reply to the doyen's note of that date, on the subject of the Boxer disturbances. The Yamen's note as it stands cannot, as your Lordship will perceive, be considered a satisfactory reply to the demands made hy the foreign Representatives for specific measures of suppression. It alludes to the Edict, of which tlie Ministers had already informed me at my interview of the 18th instant, without mentioning what the terms of the Edict were, and it states vaguely that the measures contem})iated for the suppression of the Boxers are on the lines of those suggested by tlie Diplomatic Body, witliout indicating what is actually being done. I iiad, accordingly, the honour to telegraph to your Lordship on the 25th instant to the effect that the Yamen's reply seemed to me most unlikely to be accepted as satisfactory, but that r was awaiting the opinion of my colleagues thereon. The note in question having been circulated to the foreign Representatives a meeting was summoned by the doyen on the evening of the 26th instant to consider the situation. The French Minister began by expressing in forcible terms his opinion of the unsatisfactory nature of the Yamen's reply, and proceeded to describe the results of his investigation into the causes of the alarm that existed in the Roman Catholic Missions. He said that all his information proved that this alarm was amply justified. At Mission stations, both outside and inside the city, where soldiers had been sent ostensibly to protect the Missions, the soldiers were fraternizing with the Boxers, and helping to terrorize the Christians, alleging tiiat the real object of their arrival was to prevent the latter from escaping before the time fixed for their massacre. In the city the Proclama tions, which had been posted by the authorities, were being torn down by the populace amidst angry maledictions against the Government for daring to denounce so patriotic a body as the "Kst " Society; and priests and converts alike were everywhere received with menaces and abuse. So audacious had the Boxers become that they actually lighted fires in the streets as signals for assembly. M. Pichou stated his conviction that thei'e was grave danger of a very serious outbreak, and that protection was urgently required for all Europeans in Peking. If the Chinese Government failed to adopt immediate and effective measures, the foreign Representatives ought to bring up Legation guards in sufficient numbers to prevent the possibility of a rising. The Italian Minister confirmed from his own experiences many of the facts adduced by M. Pichon, and also expressed the opinion that the Yaraln's reply was most unsatis- factory. M. de Giers, the Russian Minister agreed with his colleagues as to the unsatisfactory nature of the Yamen note, but said he had reason to believe that it did not adequately represent tiie intentions of the Chinese Government, who were genuinely determined to take cflfective measures. He could not believe that the danger was so imminent as the French Minister described it. He admitted, however, that the latter had sources of information which put him in a better position than his colleagues for judging of the situation, and he felt, as we all did, that it v/as, therefore, impossible to disregard the views expressed by M. Pichon. During the discussion that followed the German Minister, Baron von Ketteler declared that it was utterly useless either to expect the Chinese Government to do anything effective, or to take any action ourselves, such as bringing up guards, based on the belief that that Government could remain stable, or on the desire to assist in propping up its crumbling structure. It was eventually decided that the doyen should address a note to the Tsung-li Yamen, and send it in the same evening, demanding that the terms of the Edict which Ill they had mentioned should be communicated to the foreign Representatives, and that a categorical statement should be furnished of the measures taken for the suppression of the anti-foreign movement. Both the Russian Minister and myself had appointments to meet Prince Ch'ing at the Yam^n next day on business connected with the Boxers, and our colleagues requested and authorized each of us to lay the views of the whole Diplomatic Body before the Prince, and to press for a favourable reply. We were to meet our colleagues again in the evening after our interviews, and it was resolved that if by that time the Yamen had not answered satisfactorily, Legation guards should be sent for without further delay. I had the honour To telegraph to your Lordship yesterday the substance of what passed at the meeting. At my interview yesterday with Prince Ch'ing and the Ministers of the Yam^n, which took place immediately before that of M. de Giers, I accordingly delivered the message with which I w'as charged. I found it unnecessary to lay stress on the dangers of the situation, as it was evident that the Alinisters had already heard the worst that could be said on the subject, and the Prince at once interrupted me to express the lively concern with which the Throne regarded the recent manifestations of the Boxers' activity. It was apparent tliat unrest and dissatisfaction was being excited not only against foreigners and native Christians, but against the Chinese Government also. The strictest instructions had been given to the Viceroy of Chihii to arrest and punish the ringleaders and disperse their dupes. Inside the city, also, all possible measures were being taken, and his Highness, as Commander of the Peking field force, said he was willing personally to undertake the protection of ail foreigners. Another Yamen Minister, Ch'ung Li, who is at the head of the Peking gendarmerie, described the investigations he bad himself made in his capacity as a "local authority," and the measures he had taken in obedience to the Imperial Edict. I wiis requested to convey the above assurances to tny colleagues, and to say, with regard to the joint note, that a despatch was now being prepared communicating the terms of the Imperial Edict already referred to, and stating in full detail the various measures which were being adopted to maintain order. If these measures did not prove efficacious, further steps would be taken and comnninlcated in a supplementary despatch. Speaking as a personal friend of Prince Ch'ing's, I warned his Highness that, rightly or wrongly, the Representatives of all the Powers viewed the situation as extremely serious, and were reporting to iheir Governments accordingly. If they could not obtain from the Chinese Government the protection they sought, their means of self-protection would take the form of bringing up Leiiation guards. Whether these should be sent for or not would probably be decided that same afternoon, and, if they were sent for, they would no doubt come in much larger numbers than before. I said this with a lively recollection of the desperate efforts made by Prince Ch'ing eighteen months ago to prevent the arrival of the guards, and I was somewhat surprised at the calmness with which he received the suggestion which, he said, had already been made to him. It may possibly be that the Chinese Government, now awake to the strength of the Boxer movement, would be disposed to welcome the additional security afforded by the presence of foreign troops. The Prince only reiterated his assurances that the Legations could count on receiving all the protection due from host to guests, and again laid stress on the fact that the Boxers were the enemies of the country. At the meeting of the foreign Representatives which subsequently took place it was decided, in view of the Yamen's assurances to wait another day for the receipt of the promised despatch, and to delay till this evening any decision with respect to the Legation guards. I have, &c. (Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD. Inclosure 1 in No. 274. The Tsung-li Yamen to M. de Cologan. (Traduction.) (Reponse officielle.) Pe'kin, Ze 2i Mai, 1900. LE 21 Mai dernier nous avons re9U la depeche par laquelle votre Excellence nous communiquait la texte detaillee d'une Resolution prise le 2U Mai au sujet de la question des " Boxeurs " Jf^ns une reunion des Representants des Puissances accredites a Pekin. 112 (Vous ajoutiez que le Corps Diplomatique) attendait dans le plus bref ddlai une r^ponse satisfaisante. Notre Yamen a pris connaissance de cette communication dans tous ses details et s'est convaincu de I'importance qu'attachent h. cette question les Ministres etrangers etablis a P^kin. II constate qu'en cette affaire, des avant I'arrivee de votre d^peche, il avait, le 17 Mai, re§u un D^cret ordonnant au Yamen du Gouverneur Militaire, k la Prefecture de P^kin et aux (censeurs des) cinq villes d'^iaborer pour le mieux un r^glemeut destind a assurer une striate repression. Le systfeme maintenant adopte Concorde d'ailleurs dans ses grandes lignes avec les id^es exprinriees dans la depftche que nous avons re9ue de votre Excellence. Notre Yamen demande de nouveau qu'un Decret ordonne au Vice-Roi du Tche-li, ainsi qu'aux divers Yamens charge's de I'administration de la capitalc, de prendre imm^diatement des mesures efficaces sans qu'il soit permis de se couvrir par de vaines paroles. Nous pensons que la Societe des " Boxeurs " se trouvera ainsi dissoute sans retard et qu'elle n'en arrivera pas a causer de nouveaux desordres. II convenait que nous adressions cette rdponse officielle k votre Excellence pour son information, en la priant de vouloir bien la communiquer aux Repr^sentants des Puissances accr^dites a P^kin. (Translation.) (Oflacial reply.) Pe/cm^r, May 24, 1900. OJST the 21st May last we received the despatch in which your Excellency com- municated to us the full text of a Resolution adopted on the 20th May at a meeting of the Representatives of the Powers accredited to Peking concerning the question of the Boxers. You further added that the Diplomatic Body expected a satisfactory reply with the least possible delay. Our Yamen has taken note of this communication with all its details, and it is con- vinced of the importance which the foreign Ministers at Peking^attach to this question. It affirms that in this matter the Yamen had received a Decree on the 17th May, before the arrival of your despatch, ordering the Yamen of the Military Governor, the Prefecture of Peking, and the Censors of the five towns to draw up proper Regulations in order to insure a strict system of repression. The plan now adopted is, moreover, on general lines, in accordance with the ideas expressed in the despatch that we have received, from your Excellency. Our Yamen again requests the issue, of a Decree ordering the Viceroy of Chihli, as well as the various Yamens charged with the administration of the capital, to instantly take effective steps M-ithout being allowed to take refuge in meaningless phrases merely. We think that the Boxers' Society will thus be dissolved without delay, and that it will not succeed in causing fresh disturbances. We think it right to address this official reply for your Excellency's information, requesting that you will have the goodness to communicate it to the accredited Representatives of the Powers in Peking. Inclosure 2 in ]So. 274. M, de Colngan to the Tsung-li Yamen. Pe'km, le 26 Mai, 1900. J'AI I'honneur d'adresser a votre Altesse et a vos Excellences le texte de la Resolu- tion prise aujourd'hui i)ar les Representants etrangeres. Le Corps Diplomatique constate que la dep^che du Tsung-li Yamen en date du 24 de ce mois ne re'pond pas a la question posi^e par les Reprdsentants des Puissances ^trangeres dans leur d^peche du 21 de ce mois. Le Tsung-li Yamen declare que les procedes adoptes par le Gouvernement Imperial pour la repression des "Boxeurs" concordent dans leurs grandes lignes avec les id^es exprimees par les Ministres accredites h P^kin. 11 ne dit pas s'il a accepte toules ces mesures. Le Tsung-li Yamen ajoute qu'il a demande qu'un nouveau Ddcret ordonne au Vice-Roi du Tche-li, ainsi qu'aux divers Yamens charges de I'administration de la capitale, 113 de prendre imm^diatement des mesures efficaces sans qu'il soit permis de se couvrir pai* vaines paroles. Cet fidit n'cst encore ni public ni eommunique aux Ministres Strangers. Le Corps Diplomatique deniande que les mesures qui auraieiit ^te prises conforme- ment cl sa depdche du 21 lui soit imm^diatement communiquees, ainsi que I'fidit pr^cite. Veuillez, &c. (Sign^) B. J, DE COLOGAN. (Translation.) Peking, May 26, 1900. I HAVE the honour to address to your Highness and to youF Excellencies the text of the Resolution passed yesterday by the foreign Representatives. The Diplomatic Body states that the despatch of the Tsung-li Tameu of the 24th ultimo does not answer the question asked by the Representatives of the forcifrn Powers in their despatch of the 21st instant. The Tsung-li Yamen declares that the measures adopteil by the Inipetial Govern- ment for the suppression of the Boxers are for the most part in accoi dance with the views expressed by the foreign Ministers at Peking. The Tsung-li Yamen does not state whether all these measures have been approved. The Tsung-li Yamfin adds that a request for a fresh Decree has been made, ordering the Viceroy of Chihli as well as the various Yamens charged with the adminis- tratioa of the capital to immediately take effective steps without being allowed to take refuge in empty phrases only. This Edict has not yet been published or communicated to the foreign Ministers. The Diplomatic Body request that the measures, which should have been taken in accordance with their despatch of the 21st instant, may be instantly communicated to them as well as the above-mentioned Edict. Accept, &c. (Signed) B. J. DE COLOGAN. No. 275. Sir Chificlien Lofengluh to the Marquess of Salisbury. — (Received July 12 ) My Lord Marquis, Chinese Legation, London, July 11, 1900. I HAVE the honour to forward your Lordship the inclosed translation and Chinese text of a telegram from the Emperor of China to Her Majesty the Queen-Empress, and to request that you will have the goodness to have them presented at their high desti- nation as soon as possible. I have, &c. (Signed) LOPfiNGLUH. Inclosure in No. 275. The Emperor of China to Her Majesty the Queen. (Translation.) (Telegraphic.) Peking, July 3. 1900. THE Emperor of China to Her Majesty the Queen of England, Empress of India, scndeth Greetings : Since the opening of commercial intercourse between foreign nations and China, the aspirations of 'Great Britain have always been after commercial extension, and not territorial aggrandizement. Recently, dissensions having arisen between the Christians and the people of Chihli and Shantung, certain evilly-disposed persons availed themselves of the occasion to make disturhances, and these having extended so rapidly, the Treaty Powers, suspecting that the rioters might have been encouraged by the Imperial Government, attaclved and captured the Taku forts. The sufferings arising from this act of hostility have been great, and the situation has been much involved. In consideration of the facts that of the foreign commerce of China more than 70 per cent, belongs to England, that the Chinese Tariff is' lower than that of any other country, and that the restrictions on it are ■ fewer. British merchants have during the last few decades maintained relations with Chinese merchants at [758] Q 114 -lie ^ ...... us harmonious as if they had both been members of tlie same family. But now complications have arisen, mutual distrust has been engendered, and the situation having thus changed for the worse, it is felt that, if China cannot be supported in maintaining her position, foreign nations, looking on so large and populous a country, so rich in natural resources, might be tempted to exploit or despoil it ; and, .perhaps, differ amongst tliemselves with respect to their conflicting interests. It is evident that this would create a state of matters which would not be advantageous to Great Britain, a country which views commerce as her greatest interest. China is now engaged in raising men and means to cope with these eventualities, but she feels that if left to herself she might be unequal to the occasion should it ever arrive, and therefore turns to England in the hope of procuring her good offices in bringing about a settlement of the difficulties which have arisen with the other Treaty Powers. The Emperor makes this frank exposure of what is nearest to his heart, and hopes that this appeal to Her Majesty the Queen-Empress may be graciously taken into her consideration, and an answer vouchsafed to it at the earliest possible moment. No. 276. Mr. Whitehead to the Marquess of t-ialisbury. — {Received July 12.) (Telegraphic.) Tokio, July 12, 1900. I HAVE informed Admiral Seymour by telegraph that Lieutenant-General Teranchi, second in the General Staff, is being sent by Japanese Government to discuss with him and Admiral Alexieff a scheme of combined operations. No. 277. Chinese Imperial Edict — (Communicated by Sir Chihchen Lofengluh, July 13.) Translation of an Imperial Edict dated Peking the 29th June, received by the Privy Council, and by the Board of War forwarded to the Provincial Treasurer of Chihli for transmission to the'Chinese Mini.«iters residing at the various Courts in Europe, America, and Japan, through the Taotai of Shanghae. IN view of the circumstance that the Treaty Powers have unexpectedly assembled considerable forces in China, it is expedient that the Chinese Ministers accredited to foreign countries shordd be made acquainted with the situation of affairs at present, and the causes that have led to it. We therefore command that the following account of what has recently taken place in Peking be communicated to them, in order that they may the better be the interpreters of our intentions with respect to the Treaty Powers. The present unsatisfactory .state of affairs originated in the formation of a Bociety consisting of disorderly persons in the provinces of Chihli and Shantung. The ostensible object of the Society was the practise of athletics, attended by strange rites founded on the pretended possession by its members of supernatural powers. At first the authorities, viewing it as harmless, took no notice of the. Society or sect with any measures for its suppression, but soon, spreading like Avild-iire, branches of it were found everywhere, and in the mattei' of a month great numbers of its adherents were found even in Peking, where they were considered as a mystical sect to which crafty and designing persons introduced anti-Christian proclivities. About the lOlh June its enmity towards Christianity was no longer a matter of doubt. In spite of every effoit to control them, they then set fire to some of the missionary buildings in Peking, and at the same time killed some of the native Christians. Wlien things began to assume a serious nspect, the foreign Representatives in Peking requested permission to bring up some soldiers for the protection of the Legations, and, the situation appearing critical, this was agreed to, and the Legation guards were accordingly increased by the number of abon^ 500 men of the different nationalities. This is an evidence of the (!e>ire of the^ Chinese Government to maintain frie'.vlly relations with foreign Powers. ,■ 115 On other occasions, nlien foreign soldiers had been called up to Peking to. tection of the Legations, the men were confined to the premises of the several diplomatic establishments, so no collision ever occurred between them and the populace, but on this occasion, no aooner had they arrived than they were sent with their arms to patrol the streets, and sometimes they used their arms to fire on the people. Nor did they seem to be kept under proper control, but were allowed to roam, apparently at their own will, wherever they liked ; some of them having been stopped in an attempt to enter the Timg Hwa men, a gate leading to the Imperial Palace, by which entrance is strictly for- Itidden. These acts on the part of the foreign soldiers so incensed the people that, lending ear to the false rumouis that were being industriously disseminated amongst (hem by members of the Society, many of the people joiiied the latter, and, setting the law at defiance, proceeded to assist them in murdering the Christians and committing other outrages. At this point the foreign Representatives called for more troops, but the advance of the reinforcements that were sent having been opposed by the combined forces of the Shantung and Chihli rebels, they have not, as yet, succeeded in reaching Peking. Tt was not from any reluctance on the part of the Imperial Government that they did not adopt stronger measures for the suppression of the Boxer movement as soon as its real object became evident, but because of the danger to which, in the meantime, tiie Legations and Europeans in the disturbed districts would have been exposed. It Nvas necessary to temporize, in order that tlie Society should not be provoked into attacking the Legations and committing further acts of hostility towards the Christians whilst the Imperial Government were preparing to deal an effectual blow. Any failure to do this at the first blow, might have led to the perpetration by the Boxers of acts Avhich the Imperial Government would have viewed as a national calamity. Tt was in view of these considerations that the Imperial Government thought of the expedient of requesting the Diplomatic Body to temporarily absent themselves from Peking, and it was whilst this project was being debated by the Tsung-li Yumon that Baron von Ketteler, the German Minister, was killed whilst on his way to the Yamen. On the previous day he had written to the Yamen asking for an appointment, but in consequence of the menacing attitude of the populace who then thronged the streets, it was not considered safe for him to be seen outside of the TiCgation. The Yamen, therefore, declined his request for an interview. The wisdonf^of this course was seen in the lamentable result of his attempting to come to the Yamen the next day. The increasing audacity of the crowd now then knew no bounds. It was now too late to send the foreign Ministers to Tien-tsin under the protection of a sufficient well-armed escort as the Yamen had intended doing ; so, the only other course open to the Yamen was to continue the Ministers in Peking under tlie protection of an adequate guard of Chinese troops. And this was done, the oflBcer in command of the guard having strin^-ent orders to protect the Legations effectively in every possible emergency.' ')n the 16th June the officer in command of the allied fleets at Takn, much to our surprise, demanded of General Lo Yung Kwang the surrender of the forts under his command, at the same time informing him that, in case of non-compliance, they would be attacked and taken at 2 o'clock next day. It was the duty of Lo Yuiitr Kwan<>- to hold the forts, so he had no alternative but to refuse the demand. At the appointed time the allied Commander opened fire on the forts and eventually captured them. These hostilities were not of China's seeking. No false estimate of her [jower led her to measure hei' forces with those of the combined fleets. She foug'ht because she could not do otiiervvi^ than resist. This point the Ministers must make ufimistakably clear to the respective Govern- ments to whom they are severally accredited, rhcy will also take occasion to explain to the different foreign Secretaries the action of the Chinese Government and the motives by which it was actuated under the ever-changing circumstances which have led to the present complicated state of our foreign relations. Orders of a very imperative character liavo b^un given to the officer charged with the protection of the foreign Legations to exert himself to the utmost in order that nothing untoward may happen to them. Our Ministers are to remain at their respective posts in foreign countries, and to continue to discharge their official duties with unremitting care and assiduity. Let this be transmitted to them. 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