William H. Seward to J. Stahel, February 7, 1878

Mr. Seward to Mr. Stahel.

Sir: I have learned from the Russian minister, who is charged with the care of Danish interests, that the Chinese authorities at your post demand the removal of the Great Northern Telegraph Company’s wires between Woosung and Shanghai.

The Woosung-Shanghai telegraph was constructed several years ago to connect the company’s sea-cable with their office at Shanghai. Objections were raised by the Chinese authorities at the time, but it ceased upon representations made to them that the poles stood on foreign-.owned ground (that of the Woosung Road Company, over which the railway was afterward constructed); that the line was of much utility and concern to foreigners; was used by their own government, &c.

It is understood that the railway company, in selling their property, made no reservation of privileges in favor of the telegraph company.

The Danish consul, in responding to the demand made upon him, seems to have rested his argument upon the fact that the Chinese Government informed the Danish minister, General Raasloff, in 1875, that they would request their provincial officers to protect the lines of the company. It would appear, however, that this intimation had reference to the company’s cables, which alone were the subject of discussion.

My colleagues and I, in considering this matter at the request of the Russian minister, have not failed to take a lively interest in it. The given telegraph forms, with its connection, the only line which unites the great port of Shanghai with South China, Japan, and western countries generally. Refusal to allow the wires to be carried over the given route between Shanghai and Woosung would seem to imply refusal to allow it to be carried over any other route between the same places, and to condemn the company to put down a cable in the river, which, owing to the shallowness of the stream, and its constant use by vessels of all kinds, would be subject to frequent interruptions. It is not known that the Danish company has failed to deal liberally with any interest, or that any political objections to its operations have been raised.

You are authorized, therefore, to consult about the matter with your colleagues, whenever called upon by your colleague the Danish consul, with a view to preserve the status quo of the line until the questions involved can be disposed of in the course of negotiations, which will be undertaken, doubtless, by those charged with the care of Danish interests.

I am, &c.,