Mr. Adee to Mr. Denby.
Washington, September 4, 1895.
Your unsatisfied demand for degradation of viceroy Szechuan and delay in British Chengtu investigation makes independent investigation necessary. Can not act peremptorily on reports of commissions to which we are not party. Organize at once an American commission—consul at Tientsin, missionary, and naval officer, with Chinese officer of suitable rank. Should go overland from Tientsin via Tung-kuan and Han-chung in less than thirty days. Notify Chinese Government and ask ample escort. If deposed viceroy’s residence Chengtu likely to obstruct investigation demand that he be ordered elsewhere under complete suspension, pending ulterior demands.