Prince Kung to George F. Seward, April 15, 1880

Prince Kung to Mr. Seward.

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

Upon the 9th instant I had the honor to receive a collective note from your excellencies the foreign representatives in the matter of commercial grievances, stating that upon the 3d of February last they addressed to me a note requesting that a day for a conference be named, but had received no response, &c., &c.

I have the honor to observe in response that the note of February 3, from your excellencies, was received, but inasmuch as this office had upon the 19th of January suggested three different propositions in the business, and asked them to indicate which they preferred, I supposed that an answer should be awaited before holding a conference.

Being now in receipt of your excellencies’ note, I beg that the foreign representatives will suggest the time for the conference.