File No. 893.00/570.
[Untitled]
Yesterday a communication to the consuls at Hankow from Commander-in-chief Li of the Hupeh army of the Chunghua (Chinese) People’s Government declared that treaties already concluded continue in force; responsibility for the safety of foreign persons and property is assumed; rights hitherto acquired by foreign countries will be protected; indemnities and loans will be paid. But all articles supplied to Imperial Government by foreign nations will be confiscated; treaties hereafter concluded with Imperial Government will not be recognized; foreign powers assisting Imperial Government will be considered enemies. The consuls have made no reply.
The consular corps have requested the diplomatic corps to ask the Foreign Office that Admiral Sah, due at Hankow tonight, be instructed to avoid as far as possible attacking Wuchang from a position which might draw fire upon the foreign settlements of Hankow.