Page:American Diplomacy in the Orient - Foster (1903).djvu/447

 The main object of the military operations of the allies had been attained by the deliverance of the legations; but it was manifest that the work of the powers would not be complete until the causes which had brought about the unparalleled outrage against the comity of nations should be removed, and the necessary precautions taken to prevent a recurrence of similar violations in the future. The first step to that end had been taken by the American Secretary of State, Mr. Hay, soon after the gravity and extent of the offense against international law and comity became known. On July 3, 1900, Mr. Hay, through a circular note, communicated to the allied powers the views and intentions of the United States, so far as the circumstances at that date would permit. It was declared to be the purpose of its government to act concurrently with the other powers in the rescue of the American officials and citizens then in peril, and in the protection of American life and property everywhere in China, and, finally, to take measures to prevent a recurrence of such disasters. In attaining this last result it would be the policy of the United States to seek a solution which might bring about permanent safety and peace to China, preserve its territorial and administrative entity, protect all rights guaranteed by treaty and international law, and safeguard for the world the principle of equal and impartial trade with all parts of the Chinese Empire.

Although this policy was not in harmony with the recent conduct of some of the European powers in their relations with China, it was so fully consonant with the