Mr. Porter to the Secretary of State.
(Mr. Porter advises the Department of verbal statement made to him by the minister for foreign affairs to the following effect:
The minister understands that Russia will withdraw forces from Pekin, holding them at Tientsin. France intends to take similar action, believing that negotiations for amicable settlement will thus be hastened and that the Chinese Government, now a fugitive, will return to Pekin. The three objects of France were to rescue her legation and citizens, secure indemnity for the past, and obtain guaranty for the future. The first having been effected, France expects to keep troops at Tientsin till the other two objects are accomplished. The hope is expressed by the minister for foreign affairs that all the powers interested may act in concert in this movement.)