William H. Seward to Wells Williams, August 29, 1874

Mr. Seward to Mr. Williams.

Sir: The Tautai lately visited rue, and I believe the English and French consuls on the same day, and in conversation raised the question, how far the neutrality of the foreign settlements here would, in case of war, be guaranteed by the foreign powers. In consequence of this visit I consulted with the British, German, and French consuls, and we have agreed to transmit severally to Peking, a letter which has been drafted by Mr. Medhurst, and which, as I wrote yesterday in a private note, went forward yesterday to Mr. Wade, my draft being at the moment in the hands of M. Godeaux.

I have brought the subject of this draft before the Tautai, and at a later moment Mr. Medhurst has communicated the same to him in writing. I understand that the Tautai was to send forward the draft furnished to him by Mr. Medhurst by yesterday’s steamer.

My colleagues appear to fear that the Chinese will attempt, in case of war, to sink ballast-laden hulks upon the bar at Woosung. As our treaty provides for the immunity of our commerce in case of war, that is to say, on the Chinese side, I imagine that the strongest protest could be made against the proposal, which, moreover, is discountenanced, I think, by the feelings of the civilized world.

As my colleagues are disposed to believe that, notwithstanding our treaty, the Chinese in exercise of their right of self-preservation could not be greatly opposed in thus obstructing the bar, I suggest that this question should be considered by you.

I shall send a copy of the draft-letter inclosed to Mr. Bingham.

I have, &c.,