Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.
(Mr. Conger reports that at the last moment, when the British minister believed himself authorized to sign the note and had agreed to it, but awaited formal authorization, his Government objects to the word “irrevocable” as committing the powers to possible ulterior operations the scope of which is not defined; and Great Britain proposes to add at the end of the conditions the words:)
Until the Chinese Government has complied with the above conditions to the satisfaction of the powers, the undersigned can hold out no expectation that the occupation of Pekin and the province of Chihli by the general forces can be brought to a conclusion.
(Mr. Conger thinks that the above words, instead of limiting the scope of ulterior operations, appear to commit the powers still more extensively. He adds that the German and Russian ministers agree to the addition, that others will probably do so, and asks if he shall accept.)