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This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government,]
RECE Neo9 22 SEP 09
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[August 23.]
SECTION 2.
[31704]
(No. 233.) Sir,
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey,-(Received August 23.)
Peking, June 30, 1909. I HAVE the honour to report that Mr. Rockhill, who has been American Minister here since 1905, has left for Washington preparatory to taking up his new appointment of Ambassador at St. Petersburgh.
During his stay here Mr. Rockhill has closely identified himself with the aspira- tions of the foreign-educated school of Chinese thought, and has at all times shown a readiness to assist China in her difficulties.
The return of the unexpended portion of the American indemnity was due to his initiative, and it was on his suggestion that the decision was taken to utilise the money in educating Chinese youths in America.
The idea of the Opium Commission at Shanghae, although it did not originate with him, received his cordial support, and lately he interested himself in an endeavour to secure, by means of another commission, the assent of the foreign Powers to the enforcement of the clauses in the commercial treaties relating to the increase of the customs duties in return for the abolition of li-kin.
He had no sympathy with the industrial exploitation of China by means of foreign capital, and the recent policy of American participation in railway construction in China was, it is believed, adopted, if not against his advice, at least without his active support.
In the Manchurian questions especially, Mr. Rockhill ranged himself on the side of the Chinese, and lost no opportunity of combating the pretensions of the Japanese. It is an open secret that the proposal made by China of a reference to The Hague Tribunal emanated from the American Legation, and there is an impression that Mr. Rockhill's transfer to St. Petersburgh may not be altogether unconnected with the American policy of placing restrictions upon Japanese expansion in the East, especially in Manchuria.
However that may be, it is certain that he would himself have greatly preferred to go to Constantinople.
I have, &c.
J. N. JORDAN.
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