Hamilton Fish to His Imperial Highness the Prince of Kung, December 3, 1869
Mr. Fish to Mr. Frederick F. Low.
Sir: It was deemed advisable last summer to acquaint Mr. Bancroft, in anticipation of the arrival of the Chinese mission at Berlin, with the views of the present administration concerning the policy to be pursued toward China. As these instructions contain the substance of most that it is necessary to say to you before you sail to your post, I inclose a copy of them herewith and invite your special attention to them.
You will observe that the President adheres to the policy adopted in 1868, when the articles additional to the treaty of 1858 (commonly known as the Burlingame treaty) were concluded. You will, therefore, so shape your private as well as your official conversation as to demonstrate to Prince Kung the sincerity of the United States in its wishes for the maintenance of the authority of the central government and for the peaceful spread of its influence. You will make clear to the government to which you are accredited the settled purpose of the President to observe with fidelity all the treaty obligations of the United States and to respect the prejudices and traditions of the people of China when they do not interfere with rights which have been acquired to the United States by treaty. On the other hand you will not fail to make it distinctly understood that he will claim the full performance, by the Chinese government, of all the promises and obligations which it has assumed by treaties or conventions with the United States. On this point, and in the maintenance of our existing rights to their full extent, you will be always firm and decisive. While you will put forward these claims where occasion requires, with prudence and moderation, you will be unyielding in demanding the extreme protection to American citizens, commerce, and property which is conceded by the treaties, and in requiring the full recognition of your own official position to which you are entitled.
The instructions to Mr. Bancroft set forth so fully the policy of the United States toward China, the ends to be accomplished there, and the peaceful spirit which is to animate your mission, that I content myself with again referring you to them for your guidance in those respects.