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  3. Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1894, With the Annual Message of the President, Transmitted to Congress, December 3, 1894
  4. Document 91

Mr. Denby, chargé, to Mr. Gresham.

Legation of the United States,
Peking , July 27, 1894 . (Received September 11.)

Sir: I have the honor to report that the Japanese chargé d’affaires at Peking has made all his arrangements for placing under the protection of the United States the interests of the subjects of Japan in China, immediately upon the outbreak of hostilities between these two countries.

In that event all Japanese residing or traveling in the interior are to be recalled to the treaty ports. The Japanese consuls and all the members of the legation are to be withdrawn, and the care of the legation and consulates and the protection of Japanese subjects are to be left to the officials of the United States.

In view of the fact that the assistance of our consuls will be more in demand by Japanese immediately upon the declaration of war than [Page 96] later, and in view of the fact that it would be difficult and expensive to give them proper instructions by telegraph at the last moment, I have considered it advisable to notify them, by circular, in advance, that our Government has undertaken, in case of war, to protect the subjects of Japan in Chinese territory. A copy of this circular was mailed yesterday to each of the consuls of the United States in this country, and I have the honor to inclose a copy herewith. It will now only be necessary to advise them by telegram of a declaration of war. I have made an arrangement for the transmission of these telegrams, should they become necessary, through the consulate-general at the least expense.

I have, etc.,

Chas. Denby, Jr.,
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Denby, chargé, to U. S. consular officers in China.

Legation of the United States,
Peking , July 26, 1894 .

Sir: At the request of Japan, and with the consent of China, the U. S. Government has agreed, in event of war between those two powers, to take under its protection all Japanese subjects residing in Chinese territory.

Under these circumstances it will be your duty on receipt of telegraphic advice from this legation that hostilities have begun, to give every proper assistance consistent with the functions with which you are charged and the discharge of your own duties to the subjects of Japan within your jurisdiction.

I am, etc.,

Chas. Denby, Jr.,
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.