No. 443.
Mr. Fish
to Mr. Bingham.
Washington, September 1, 1874.
Sir: Your No. 105, of the date of 29th July last, is this day received, and your account of your interview with Tereshima, and of the rejection of the demands made by China, seem to give countenance to the current rumor that Japan is determined to maintain the foothold she has obtained in Formosa, even at the expense of a war with China. I shall await, with interest, your further dispatches, which it is hoped will be full in their detail of all matters in connection with’ the delicate relations between these two nations.
The Department is pleased that your attention has been directed to [Page 699] the treaty with China, and to its requirements in ease China becomes involved in war. These obligations were in the mind of the Department when the instruction No. 43, of the 6th of June, was written. The President expects that you will be vigilant in the exercise of all the powers of your official position for the protection of the rights of American citizens, and for the strict maintenance of the neutrality of the United States and of its citizens, and the observance of all treaty and international duties, in the event of war between Japan and China. It is believed that the instructions of the Department, heretofore sent to you, will have indicated the large power which the laws have committed to you for this purpose.
I am, &c.,