Minister Bryan to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Lisbon,
Portugal, February 21,
1905.
No. 129.]
Sir: I have the honor to confirm my cipher
dispatch of February the 18th, in reply to Department’s telegram of the
13th instant.
I inclose a copy of a note on this subject from the minister for foreign
affaris.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
The Minister of Foreign
Affairs to Minister Bryan.
Excellency: You communicated to me in the
note which you did me the honor to send me on the 14th of last
January the determination of the Government of the United States of
America to pursue the policy of maintaining the integrity of China
and of that called the “open door” in the Orient, a policy
previously affirmed, and now reaffirmed, in providing for
negotiations which will be entered into for peace between the two
nations now at war.
In making me this communication on the part of the Government which
your excellency so worthily represents; your excellency requested
that I should indicate the views of His Majesty’s Government with
regard to this question in order that you might communicate the same
to Washington.
I now have the honor to inform your excellency that His Majesty’s
Government when it comes to proceed to negotiations to end the
existing war in the Orient will honestly adhere to the policy which
has been upheld by the United States and which excludes all thought
and reservation as to special rights of any nation or as to the
acquisition of territory in the Chinese Empire. I believe with this
precise answer I am satisfying the desires and requests of your
excellency.
I avail, etc.,
