Mr. Adee to Mr. Conger, via Consul Fowler.
Washington , August 22, 1900 .
(Mr. Adee states that telegrams from Earl Li, dated the 19th and 21st, asking stoppage of hostilities, withdrawal of troops, and appointment of an envoy to negotiate have been communicated by the Chinese minister, and that the following reply has to-day been made:
While the condition set forth in the memorandum delivered to the Chinese minister August 12 has not been fulfilled, and the powers have been compelled to rescue their ministers by force of arms, unaided by the Chinese Government, still this Government is ready to welcome any overtures for a truce, and invite the other powers I to join, when security is established in the Chinese capital and the Chinese Government shows its ability and willingness to make on its part an effective suspension of hostilities there and elsewhere in China. When this is done—and we hope it will be done promptly—the United States will be prepared to appoint a representative to join with the representatives of the other similarly interested powers and of the authoritative and responsible Government of the Chinese Empire to attain the ends declared in our circular to the powers of July 3, 1900.
This may be communicated by Mr. Conger to his colleagues. Their governments have received similar proposals from Earl Li. Replies of other powers, it is presumed, will be on same line as ours.
Asks if Mr. Conger has any suggestion to make.
In replying, date dispatches and use cipher.)