Tsungli Yamen to To the, June 15, 1875

Tsungli Yamen to the foreign ministers.

Upon the 10th instant we had the honor to receive a note stating that the protocol for a convention in the matter of Chinese emigration to Cuba had been submitted to the Spanish minister, and a reply received from him stating plainly that he could not accept the fifth article, and the clauses elsewhere allowing the Chinese to go about at will, because they differed greatly from the provisions of the Spanish treaty made in 1884, and parts had been stricken out.

The undersigned would remark that China deals with Spanish subjects in her dominions as she does with all other nationals, and Spain certainly ought to treat Chinese within her borders as she treats the subjects or citizens of other powers.

The refusal of the Spanish minister to assent to the fifth article, and those clauses elsewhere which allow the Chinese in Cuba to move about at will, is an act of disrespect to China, and the undersigned, servants of His Imperial Majesty, cannot consent to any insult, of whatever nature, to the dignity of China.

With regard to the statement of the Spanish minister that the clauses referred to “differ greatly from the provisions of the Spanish treaty of 1884, and parts had been omitted he fails to state clearly what has been altered and what omitted, and the undersigned would request your excellency to inquire particularly of his excellency the Spanish minister and inform them.

With cards, compliments, &c.