On the evening of July 29th, the Japanese church at Shanzi Ding in Xiamen was set on fire. The next day, Mr. Ueno, the Japanese consul, dispatched the warship "Takachiho" with more than a hundred sailors armed with rifles parading through the streets in a show of force. The residents of Xiamen were terrified. Mr. Yandao hurried to the Japanese consulate to inquire about the troop deployment, and the Japanese said it was to protect the property of Japanese merchants.
On the second day of August, they dispatched an additional two hundred sailors and used a lorry to transport cannons to Hutoshan, threatening to open fire at four o'clock on the fourth day! The people of Xiamen were even more panicked, taking their families and belongings and fleeing to safer places. Then, government officials and staff also left their work, taking their wives and children to flee by boat. Xiamen descended into further chaos, all the shops shut down, and bandits seized the opportunity to loot. Everyone had no money; nine out of ten families moved out. The situation in Xiamen was dire, leaving everyone at a loss for what to do.
Shao Shan, our local official, remained remarkably calm. He immediately sent telegrams to Li Hongzhang in Shanghai and Governor Zhang Zhijun of Hunan and Hubei, and also reached out to Shanghai's governor Yu Guanchasi for assistance in mediation. He also sent telegrams to the provincial officials Xu Zhijun and Shan Junshuai, requesting reinforcements and funding as a precaution. Yang Junmen received orders as well and began preparations for combat. Shao Shan has been actively meeting with various consuls, seeking their mediation. The consuls of various countries together found Japanese Consul Ueno and inquired whether this action was a secret directive from their government or if it had been coordinated with the foreign ministries of other nations. The Japanese consul insisted that it was solely to protect commercial interests and nothing more.
On the afternoon of the 5th, Shao Shan, the Observer of Xiamen, received a telegram from Shanghai Sheng Xuanhuai (Sheng Jingqing), stating that: "I met Mr. Kotani in Shanghai. He said that the Japanese soldiers landed to protect commercial interests and did not intend to attack Xiamen. I have requested their withdrawal." Shortly after, he received a telegram from Shanghai Dao Tai Yu, Li Fu Xiang, and Governor Zhang Zhi Jun, saying: "We have discussed with the consuls of Britain, Germany, and the United States, and also sent a telegram to the Japanese Ambassador, requesting them to withdraw and discuss separately. The consuls are willing to help mediate. However, we must also try to control the situation on our end and avoid conflicts with the Japanese army to prevent further complications."
After receiving the telegram, Yan Dao immediately issued a public notice, instructing everyone not to move and not to cause disturbances. With the notice issued, everyone felt somewhat reassured. On the morning of the 7th, the Japanese soldiers moved all the cannons on the mountain back to the ship. On the same day, the British consul saw their country's warship arrive in Xiamen and immediately requested Yan Dao to send 50 British soldiers ashore to be stationed at the Taikoo Company, protecting Chinese merchants. Yan Dao agreed. The British consul issued a notice in advance to explain to the people of Xiamen the reason for sending troops ashore. Not long after, another British warship arrived, followed by an American warship. The consuls sent telegrams to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, saying: "The consuls have signed treaties with the governors of Liangjiang, Lianghu, Liangguang, and other provinces, with officials tasked with protecting the businesses, property, and lives of foreign merchants. Japan's actions now seem inappropriate; isn't the treaty we signed with the governors of various provinces being invalidated by their actions?" The Japanese Foreign Ministry replied that they had no intention of attacking Xiamen and promised to recall Consul Ueno. On the morning of the 9th, Consul Ueno received a telegram from the Japanese government and immediately returned to his country. The subsequent matters will be discussed separately by Yan Dao and the newly arrived Japanese Consul, Kenji Yoshisada.
Attached is a bundle of telegrams
To the Fuzhou Foreign Affairs Bureau:
The Japanese Church on Sanzaiding Street caught fire at half past midnight last night. My younger brother was on night patrol and immediately ordered the fire to be extinguished upon arrival, which only burned down an empty house. Inquiring with the neighbors, they said that the house was rented to a British missionary surnamed Zhang by the Japanese, who had moved elsewhere a few days ago due to a dispute over rent with the landlord. The house was already empty, with only a worker watching over it, who is suspected of having set the fire out of anger. Now, the consulate has sent a notice claiming that bandits fired shots and started the fire, stating that there was no robbery involved. In fact, my younger brother witnessed the fire himself, and there was no such thing. Although I have informed you of the actual situation, I fear that their notice has reached the provincial authorities, who may believe their biased account. Please inform the governor and relevant departments, and do not be quick to believe rumors.
On the first of March, Xiamen Daotai Nian sent a second telegram to the Fuzhou Foreign Affairs Bureau. I have previously informed you about the fire at the Japanese church. After discussing with the consulate, we agreed to do our best to protect and prevent them from sending troops ashore, which both sides had agreed to. However, today, around a hundred Japanese soldiers suddenly appeared and caused trouble on the streets, frightening the locals who gathered in fear. I personally went to defuse the situation, repeatedly persuading them and requesting that the consulate withdraw the troops. If they agree right away, then there should be no problem. But I suspect they did this intentionally this time, and they may not be open to reason. I will provide details in another telegram. Please inform the general about this matter first.
To the Naval Yamen Foreign Affairs Bureau:
Yesterday's telegram, you should have already forwarded it. After the telegram was sent out, I heard that Japanese soldiers were going to cross the river. Mr. Nian immediately met with the consul; they did want to send troops ashore, and Mr. Nian repeatedly stopped them face to face before they gave up. Unexpectedly, this afternoon, they sent over two hundred Japanese soldiers, bringing small cannons ashore and marching along the coast. The people were terrified. Upon checking, it was found that Japanese merchants had already cleared out several shops a few days earlier. Mr. Nian and Zhang went to the tax office to understand the situation; the tax office reported, "The British and American consuls have already sent a telegram to Ueno, asking them to withdraw the troops back to the ship." As for business, British and American merchants have more business and are protected by local authorities. After interference from foreign merchants, the Japanese soldiers just now did not stay on the foreigner street; they dispersed towards the river, their intentions are truly unpredictable. We sent Yang Mu to speak to Ueno again; Ueno said, "Don't ask me about this, I have no control over it either." It is said that Ueno received a secret telegram from his own country, so he did this. Xiamen's military strength is too weak; we are currently discussing countermeasures with various consuls. Please report this to General Shuai as soon as possible. Mr. Nian, Dong Cheng.
On the third day of March, Mr. Nian, the governor of Xiamen, and Admiral Yang Junmen Qizhen sent a telegram to Xu Zhijun.
Mr. Xiantai:
The foreigners have landed, causing trouble everywhere; the situation is urgent, and there is no way to turn it around. Xiamen is weak in military strength, and the military funds are insufficient; we are simply unable to fight. After careful consideration, Mr. Nianzhen concluded that since this is the case, there is no other way; we can only do our best, face life and death together with Xiamen, and repay the court's kindness. Mr. Nianzhen has already sent a telegram.
Officials from Fujian Province sent a telegram to the officials in Xiamen, dated the third day of March:
I have received your telegram and am aware of the situation. The situation in Xiamen is very dangerous, with too few troops, but under the current circumstances, the troop strength in any province is hard to predict. Overall, the situation is quite challenging. We officials can only do our utmost and give our all to live up to the expectations of the court and the soldiers. You hold military power and bear heavy responsibilities, and your soldiers all obey your commands. I am far away and cannot give you direct commands. How to fight, how to defend, and how to adapt to changes are beyond my ability to direct from afar. You don’t need to be modest or travel all this way to ask for instructions. For future matters, please decide on the fighting and defense strategies based on the situation yourself, without needing to consult me again. Sincerely, Jiang Fu.
On the 30th, Japanese Consul Ueno sent a notification to the Xiamen Governor: This is to inform you.
Just now, a missionary from Hongwanji Temple in the Shanzaiting area of Xiamen, Miyauchi Ryoji, reported that around 12:30 last night, bandits suddenly opened fire and robbed, breaking into the temple and setting it on fire, destroying the church and all the Buddha statues and utensils. The guards were killed in the attack. The Japanese consul is very shocked by this. To protect our citizens, we immediately consulted with the captain of our warship to send the warship and marine corps ashore for self-protection. Regarding the casualties among the church guards, we will investigate further and notify you separately. This is a formal notification to your office; please take note.
On the first day of August, the first draft of a notice from the Xiamen Governor was prepared: To inform you of the situation.
I heard that Japanese soldiers have landed, and we will conduct a thorough investigation soon. It turns out that it is to protect Mitsui & Co., and not to cause trouble for us common people. However, I worry that malicious individuals will take the opportunity to spread rumors and create chaos, deliberately fabricating stories to incite chaos for their own gain. The common people do not know the details and will surely panic, causing disturbances. In addition to having already sent a letter requesting the Japanese consul to quickly withdraw the soldiers to their ship to calm public fears and prevent incidents, ... (part of the content omitted, original text not provided) ... Please inform all sectors of the Xiamen military and civilian community about this matter. Everyone should do what they need to do and not entertain any other ideas. ... (part of the content omitted, original text not provided) ... Those who spread rumors and deliberately provoke incidents will face serious consequences! Everyone must comply and not violate this! This is hereby notified.
August 1st, Xiamen Governor Yan to Japanese Consul Ueno, Notification
I discussed the safety of foreign traders in Xiamen with you yesterday; our officials will do their best to protect them, but we cannot send troops ashore. You also agreed. Today, I suddenly heard that Japanese soldiers have landed, and the public is confused, gathering to watch, and even wanting to confront them. You have already promised protection; if soldiers are allowed to land and the common people are incited to create disturbances, it will be very difficult for me to protect everyone. Aside from sending another letter to explain in detail, I wanted to reach out to you first. Therefore, please quickly withdraw the soldiers back to the ship to avoid causing greater problems. I hope you can handle this as soon as possible; it is very important!
August 2nd, Xiamen Governor Yan to Japanese Consul Ueno, Letter
Dear Consul:
Yesterday, I visited you and listened to your guidance. The church on Shanzaiting Street has been burned down, and it was confirmed to be caused by a fire. We have reached an agreement, and you promised not to send troops ashore, which is reassuring; everyone is safe. However, how is it that I am hearing you have ordered soldiers to land today? The entire population of Xiamen is terrified and anxious, and it seems a conflict is about to break out.
Fujian Province has received orders from the governor and military officials of Fujian Province and has already met with consuls from various countries. In line with the practices of provinces like Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, and Anhui, an agreement has been reached: "To mutually protect the commercial and industrial interests of both Chinese and foreign nationals, and not to interfere with each other; regardless of what happens elsewhere, we must abide by this agreement; local Chinese officials are committed to safeguarding the lives and property of foreign officials, merchants, and missionaries living in Fujian, and Xiamen will also follow suit; all foreign warships are not required to enter the port to avoid causing panic among the people and inciting trouble." Now on Xiamen Island, I have repeatedly warned residents not to cause trouble and have made every effort to protect foreigners. It took a lot of effort and dedication to keep this place calm and avoid conflicts. If you suddenly violate the agreement and send troops ashore without justification, you will transform this safest trading port into a scene of chaos.
When we spoke yesterday, I clearly stated that we will make every effort to protect all personnel and property of the Japanese trading company in Xiamen, as per the agreement, to foster goodwill. If soldiers come ashore and cause suspicion among the people, leading to conflict, I truly cannot assume the responsibility for their protection. Besides warning the residents in advance, I personally went to the scene to persuade residents not to cause trouble, and specifically wrote to you, urging you to quickly withdraw the soldiers back to the ship so that everyone can be safe and avoid greater losses. This is beneficial for local officials, Chinese and foreign officials, and merchants.
Xiamen, August 3rd, a letter to consuls of various provinces and Xiamen Customs Office. This serves as a notification.
The Governor of Fujian has established eight regulations for mutual protection between China and foreign countries with the consuls of various nations stationed in Fuzhou, in accordance with the practices of provinces like Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Xiamen has fully complied with these regulations. We have signed these terms together, and I have notified your consul and the consuls of other countries separately, and everyone is expected to abide by them. However, now Japan has suddenly sent warships, landing soldiers and setting up cannons at places like Hutu Mountain, and Japanese troops are stationed everywhere in the streets, carrying firearms. This has instilled panic among the local populace, and many are fleeing.
Yesterday, I repeatedly urged Consul Ueno to withdraw the troops, but he refused to do so! I genuinely lack the authority to ensure everyone's safety. If this continues, and if bandits take the opportunity to cause trouble, affecting foreign businesses, I can only inform you first and request your understanding in this urgent matter. I specifically notify you to have your consul and the tax commissioner review this matter, hoping you can immediately relay to Consul Ueno to withdraw the troops back to the ship to guarantee the safety of both Chinese and foreign merchants and to uphold social stability. I hope you can address this urgently; it is very important!
On August 3rd, the Japanese consul Ueno sent a communication to the Xiamen Governor.
Response letter:
I received your communication yesterday, which stated "the troops landing, and if there is incitement among the people, the situation may escalate, making effective protection difficult for us," and "to quickly withdraw the troops back to the ship to avoid affecting the overall situation." I understand. I have reviewed the situation in Xiamen and found that it is becoming increasingly unstable, and the Japanese nationals are in danger, so I have dispatched sailors to ensure their own protection. As for the withdrawal of troops back to the ship, I will comply as soon as the situation stabilizes. This is my response; please take note.
On August 1st, the Xiamen Governor drafted a second letter to clearly communicate and reassure the public.
It is said that Japanese soldiers landed with foreign guns, stationed everywhere, guarding day and night and even setting up cannons at places like Hutoushan, claiming it was to protect Japanese businesses. The people of Xiamen were confused and frightened, moving away one by one to escape. As a local official, I must uphold my duties to the country while also caring for the people. I am anxious and haven’t slept well for several days. I promptly invited consuls from various countries to repeatedly discuss the matter with the Japanese consul, arguing with him and trying to negotiate.
It wasn't until yesterday that I received a reply from the consulate, which stated: "Yesterday we received your note mentioning that if Japanese soldiers come ashore and someone instigates trouble among the people, it will be difficult for us to provide effective protection. Please quickly withdraw the troops back to the ship to avoid affecting the overall situation." Regarding this matter, we have determined that the situation in Xiamen is growing increasingly unstable, and imperial subjects are in danger, so we have sent sailors to protect themselves. The matter of withdrawing the troops back to the ship will have to wait until the situation stabilizes. We are replying to this, please review." After receiving this reply, I reflected that although the Japanese soldiers landed with guns and cannons, claiming it was to protect businesses, the people would still feel afraid and suspicious.
Therefore, I promptly issued a public announcement to inform everyone. Fellow villagers, you should know that the Japanese soldiers on the shore are only there for their own protection, so you can rest assured. Starting from now, those who have already moved away should return home quickly, and those who haven't moved don't need to. Everyone should carry on with their daily lives, don't believe rumors, and don't have doubts. If anyone intentionally spreads rumors or stirs up trouble, once confirmed, I will ensure they are severely punished! Everyone must comply, don't violate it! This is an official public notice.
- August 4th, Xiamen Dao Yan sent a letter to Japanese Consul Ueno
Respectfully:
I visited you yesterday and had a good conversation with you, esteemed leader. I sincerely appreciate your warm hospitality! However, the public notice you promised me is of utmost importance. Since you have promised, I trust you will take care of it. Therefore, I am writing to kindly request that you prepare another copy of the draft and send it to the yamen so that I can also issue the same notice to reassure the people. I eagerly await your prompt response!
August 5th, Consul Ueno to Xiamen Dao Yan
I have received your letter and understand your intentions. A few days ago, Mr. Hoto, the civil affairs chief of Japan's Taiwan, came to Xiamen, but he is not the governor! The troops have landed to ensure the safety of normal trade for our Japanese merchants and residents. I have already explained the situation to you a few days ago. Issuing the public notice falls within your authority, and as a consul, I must refrain from overstepping my jurisdiction.
August 5th, Xiamen Dao Yan Third Draft
Regarding the issuance of the public notice.
Here’s the situation: Japanese troops have landed, causing widespread panic among the people. Yesterday, I sent telegrams to Li Fu-xiang (referring to Li Hongzhang) and various yamens, asking them to negotiate with the Japanese Foreign Minister to withdraw the troops for further discussion. This afternoon (the fifth), I received a call from Yu in Shanghai, saying, "This matter has been jointly telegraphed by the governors of Huguang, Zhang Zhidong, Li Fu-xiang, and Liu Kun of Liangjiang to the British, American, and German Consuls for mediation, and also informed the Japanese Foreign Ministry. We should maintain calm, restrain the troops and the people, and avoid conflicts." Since telegrams have been sent for mediation, the situation should be calmed down. Therefore, I promptly issued a notice to inform all officials and residents of Xiamen. Once the notice is issued, everyone must attend to their own duties, refrain from believing rumors, and avoid causing unnecessary alarm.
Everyone must strictly adhere to it and refrain from violating it! This notice is hereby issued.
August 7th, American Consul Ba to Xiamen Dao Yan
Dear Dao Yan:
I just received your letter inquiring about the Ueno Consul's return. I'm not sure if you're already aware of it. We looked into it and found that the Ueno Consul only left a letter for the consuls of various countries, stating, "I am leaving Xiamen; the vice consul will temporarily handle consulate affairs." However, I received a telegram from our government last night stating, "We have heard that the Japanese government has agreed to immediately withdraw the troops from Xiamen Island, and the troops on Gulangyu Island will be withdrawn once the situation stabilizes and is deemed safe." So, the Japanese troops on Xiamen Island have already left. I should congratulate you on this development. However, you still need to find ways to reassure the people and ensure their safety, as that is the most important thing.
◇August 7th, Consul Yoshisawa's letter to Xiamen
Last night, I ordered the withdrawal of all sailors from the East Asia College. Please take note.
◇August 7th, Xiamen's reply to Consul Yoshisawa
I received a telegram from Shanghai yesterday informing me that your Japanese Consul General has received a message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ordering the withdrawal of the troops protecting the college, and the remaining troops will also be withdrawn gradually. I was just about to write to you when I received your letter saying, "All sailors in the East Asia College have been ordered to withdraw." However, there are still Japanese troops around the Zhixin Shipping Company and at Zhenbang Street Port. When can we expect their withdrawal? Please inform me as soon as possible so I can write to the British Consul, asking them to also withdraw the sailors and sternly order the soldiers to protect this place according to the previous agreement.
