Hung Chang "to open negotiations in a harmonious way at an early date to the interest and gratification of all concerned." Li, however, was slow in arriving at Peking, and it was not until October 26 that the plenipotentiaries of the powers and of China met and the formal negotiations were begun.
Meanwhile four important declarations had been made which had done much to bring the powers into cordial relations, removing suspicion and anxiety as to the possible action of any one power. Of these, first in date and importance was the circular note of Secretary Hay of July 3. The next in order was the announcement, August 28, of Russia, that it had "no designs of territorial acquisitions in China," and that, since the Chinese government had left Peking, there was no need for its representative to remain, that its troops would be withdrawn, and that when the Chinese government was reestablished Russia would appoint a representative to negotiate with it. To this announcement, which was in the shape of a proposal, the United States replied that it did not deem it wise for the troops to be withdrawn until there was a general agreement by the powers.
The third was the proposal made, September 18, by Germany, that, as a preliminary to peace, China should surrender to the allies for punishment the leaders of the anti-foreign movement who should be designated by the foreign ministers. The reply of the United States was that it would be far more effective for the future if the Chinese government would punish the guilty, that it was but just to give China in the first instance this
