Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 5, 1905

Chargé Coolidge to the Secretary of State.

American Legation,
Peking , February 9, 1905 .

No. 1809.]

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 1797, of January 25, I have the honor to confirm below your telegraphic instruction of January 26 with regard to the proposed annulment of the concession granted to the American China Development Company. I also transmit a copy of my last note of protest to the foreign office.

Deeming it advisable to emphasize this note by a personal interview, I made an appointment and was received by His Excellency Natung and Mr. Wu Ting-fang. In a long conference I endeavored to impress upon them the fact that the question had entered upon a new phase, that the old cause for complaint had disappeared, and that consequently there was now no ground upon which an annulment could be admitted. * * *

They replied that for the present the question was out of their hands; that it was the province of the board of commerce to consider the matter; and, above all, that as Chang Chih-tung had been commanded by imperial decree to investigate the situation, no action could be taken until his report was received; but that all of my government’s representations had been communicated at once. I pointed out that this was a question of internal administration, which did not concern us.

* * * * * * *

I have, etc.,

John Gardner Coolidge.

[Inclosure.]

Chargé Coolidge to Prince Ch’ing.

American Legation,
Peking , January 27, 1905 .

Your Imperial Highness: I have the honor to inform your imperial highness that I have this day received telegraphic instructions from my government ordering me to protest with energy against the forfeiture of the concession granted to the American China Development Company.

Shares of this company which had been sold to people of other nationalities have now been regained at a great sacrifice by the American proprietors, consequently the control of this enterprise is absolutely American, and the American Government can not tolerate such an action of spoliation as the forfeiture of the concession would be.

I avail, etc.,

John Gardner Coolidge.