Mr. Choate to Mr. Hay.

[Telegram—Paraphrase.]

(Mr. Choate is informed by foreign office that the British reply to Li Hung Chang’s request to name envoy to negotiate is similar to that [Page 348] made by the United States—that the views of Sir Claude McDonald must be had before Li Hung Chang can be answered. The British Government cares little who represents China if he is properly accredited; but is not satisfied that Li Hung Chang is plenipotentiary or authorized by competent authority to negotiate.)