Mr. Denby, chargé, to Mr. Gresham.

No. 1905.]

Sir: I have the honor to report to you that, at the request of the Japanese chargé d’affaires, I took charge yesterday at noon of the legation of Japan and of the interest of the subjects of Japan in China.

Inclosed herewith are copies of his official request to me, of my reply, and of the dispatch which I addressed to the Yamên notifying the prince and minister of this action.

I telegraphed promptly to the U. S. consuls, who had been notified by circular to expect such an announcement, that Japanese interests had been placed under American protection, and I sent you a cipher telegram which I confirm in Inclosure No. 4 herewith.

I have, etc.,

Chas. Denby, Jr.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 1905.]

Mr. Komura to Mr. Denby, chargé.

Sir: In view of ray departure from Peking this afternoon with all the members of this legation, I have the honor to request that you will at once take charge of Japanese interests in China, in accordance with the arrangement made between our respective Governments.

I avail, etc.,

J. Komura,
H. I. J. M’s. Chargé d’Affaires.
[Page 98]
[Inclosure 2 in No. 1905.]

Mr. Denby, chargé, to Mr. Komura.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your official letter of this date stating that, in view of your departure from Peking, you request me at once to take charge of Japanese interests in China, in accordance with the arrangements made between our respective Governments.

I have the honor to state in reply that, acting under the orders of the honorable Secretary of State, I hasten to accede to your request. I will at once advise by telegraph the consuls of the United States in China and the honorable Secretary of State at Washington that you have this day committed to this legation the interests of the subjects of Japan in China.

This information will also be at once communicated by me to the Chinese Government.

I avail, etc.,

Chas. Denby, Jr.
[Inclosure 3 in No. 1905.]

Mr. Denby to the Tsung-li-Yamên.

Your Highness and Your Excellencies: I have the honor to state that the chargé d’affaires of Japan at this capital has to day, in view of the state of hostilities which unfortunately exists between your two countries, requested this legation to take under the protection of the United States all the subjects of Japan residing in Chinese territory.

Acting under the authority of the honorable Secretary of State, and with the assurance hitherto given me by your highness and your excellencies that the Government of China would consent thereto, I have acceded to this request, and it now becomes my duty to advise you that, from this date until further notice, this legation, and the consuls of the United States at the treaty ports acting under its instructions, will exert their friendly offices for the protection of Japanese subjects residing in Chinese territory.

In requesting that this information be communicated to the provincial and customs authorities, I beg to express the hope that your highness and your excellencies will not only take every precaution to prevent outbreaks of violence at the foreign settlements, but also will issue stringent orders to the authorities of the provinces and of Manchuria and Mongolia, enjoining the protection of Japanese subjects who may be traveling in the interior in those localities and to permit their safe return to the treaty ports.

I avail, etc.,

Chas. Denby, Jr.
[Page 99]
[Inclosure 4 in No. 1905.—Telegram.]

Mr. Denby, chargé, to Mr. Gresham.

War is declared. Japanese chargé d’affaires left Peking to-day; has placed interests Japanese subjects in charge of legation of the United States. Outbreak feared Tientsin. Request war vessel.