Frederick F. Low to Hamilton Fish, March 29, 1873

No. 67. Mr. Low to Mr. Fish.

Sir: After I had closed my No. 242, in which was detailed the substance of what occurred at our conference with Prince Kung on the 21st, we learned through an unofficial source that the prince did not understand that he had made a definite promise to lay the matter before the Emperor upon His Majesty’s return from the tombs.

Under these circumstances the foreign ministers thought it advisable to seek another interview before the prince left town, with a view of arriving, if possible, at a clear understanding as to what he would do.

In response to our request for an interview the grand secretary and most of the ministers of the yamên met us. The prince excused himself from attendance, on the ground of having another engagement.

We reiterated in substance what we had said to the prince on the 21st instant as to the importance of having an answer to the collective note within the time which we had understood the prince to name. The Chinese ministers, on the other hand, asserted that further time was important and necessary, but offered no new reasons for delay.

In response we said that we had been ready to meet them and discuss all points of difference; that we had done so with entire frankness; that there did not seem to be any prospect of reaching a satisfactory conclusion by continuing these discussions; it, therefore, did not appear that anything would be gained on either side by further delay in submitting the question to His Majesty.

In conclusion, we remarked that, if the prince would address us a note before the Emperor left the capital, saying that, immediately on the return of His Majesty, the question shall be taken up and decided, we would rest content.

The grand secretary replied that he would communicate all we had said to the prince; he also said that, while it was probable our request would be complied with, he could not promise it.

On the 28th a note from the prince, embodying substantially what we had suggested, reached us, translation of which is sent herewith, (inclosure No. 1.)

At the same time we received a semi-official note, inclosing a memorandum; a translation of the latter accompanies this, (inclosure No. 2.) Its tone is, you will observe, anything but conciliatory. It clearly intimates that it would be derogatory to the dignity of the Emperor to receive foreign ministers in accordance with the usages of western nations, and that, unless we consent to kneel, audience is impossible. Were this document in the form of an official communication it might, with propriety, be considered a distinct refusal of the request for audience; in its present form the Chinese ministers will not consider themselves or the government as bound by it in any manner. In proof of this, and also to illustrate the devious ways of Chinese diplomacy, I may mention that Chŭng Hou, one of the ministers of the yamên, when making an unofficial call upon the French minister, to-day, remarked that the audience question was in a good way, and that it might be considered practically settled in accordance with our wishes; and, when, later in the day, the British minister called on him to inquire what inference was to be drawn from the language of the memorandum, he replied that it was solely intended as an answer to the arguments contained in our memorandum submitted to them on the 21st instant, (see inclosure No. 1 in 242,) and must not be taken as an announcement of a decision to which the government had come upon the subject.

I am disposed to regard Chŭng Hou’s declaration to Mr. Geofroy as a favorable indication, although it would be quite easy for his associates to repudiate it as entirely unauthorized; nor is it impossible that he was sent with this assuring message from no other motive than to keep the foreign ministers quiet during the Emperor’s mortuary excursion.

I am, however, not without hope of a favorable result.

I have, &c.,

Prince Kung to the foreign ministers.

Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes a communication in reply:

On the 25th February I had the honor to receive a collective note from your excellencies requesting an audience of His Majesty to present your congratulations on the occasion of his assuming the reins of government.

Again on the 5th March I received a dispatch requesting me to name a time for a conference. Accordingly at an appointed time an interview was had, but there still remained necessity for further discussion on the subject.

The prince would observe that China having been in relations of the most perfect amity with foreign powers for a long time, the etiquette to be observed on the occasion of an audience is of the greatest importance.

At present, in consequence of the projected, visit of the Emperor to the eastern tombs, there is a great accumulation of business; it will therefore be necessary to await His Majesty’s return, when the prince will consult with the ministers of the yamên and prepare a special memorial for presentation to the throne.

The prince makes this reply for their excellencies’ examination, 28th March, 1873.

To their excellencies, &c., ministers of Russia, Germany, the United States, Great Britain, France.