The Tsung-Li Yamên to the Japanese Minister
Peking, April 26, 1898.
Prince Ch'ing and the Ministers of the Tsung-li Yamên have the honour to reply to a communication from the Minister of Japan dated 2nd day, 3rd intercalary month, 24th year Kuang-Hsü (April 22, 1898), which reads as follows:
"A telegram has just been received from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which reads as follows:
"'The Government of Japan has viewed with constant deep concern the difficulties which the Government of China has recently been confronted. The declaration made at the time of the evacuation of Weihaiwei is evidence of this. It is to be apprehended that trouble may arise with consequences disastrous to China. In all this there is no mistaking what our real purpose is.
"'In view of the present state of affairs, the Government of Japan, mindful of its own interests, cannot act as if entirely in ignorance of passing events, but must take proper measures to meet any situation that may arise. You will ask the Government of China to make a declaration that it will not cede or lease to any other Power any portion of its territory within the Province of Fu-kien.'"
Referring to his oral statements made in a personal interview, the Minister of Japan requests that a reply be given to his communication.
The Princes and the Ministers have
the honour to state that the Province of Fu-kien, with all the territory in the interior and along the sea-coast within its limits, which is an important part of China, China will never cede or lease to any other Power whatsoever; and to request that this reply be communicated to the Government of Japan.
The Princes and the Ministers avail themselves of this opportunity to renew to the Minister of Japan the assurances of their most distinguished consideration.