Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay.
Peking, China, June 1, 1901.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the expeditionary forces in Chihli are being rapidly reduced, and that within the next month some 15,000 to 20,000 men will probably be withdrawn. The German minister communicated to the diplomatic corps to-day a telegram from the German Chancellor stating that “as none of the powers taking part in the occupation of China has raised objections to the telegraphic proposal to recall the commander-in-chief, and as the Emperor of China has reiterated his formal promise concerning the payment of an indemnity of 450,000,000 taels, with interest at 4 per cent, the recall of the commander-in-chief will be carried out at once. At the same time the German expeditionary forces will be reduced to one brigade.” The brigade will be composed of 9 battalions of 300 men each.
The Japanese are taking back their time-expired men, and will probably keep seme 3,000 to 5,000 men in Chihli. The French announced some weeks ago that they were going to withdraw immediately between 8,000 and 9,000 men. Though their withdrawal was temporarily suspended, it is probable that, now that the Germans have [Page 186] begun theirs, it will be carried out. The British send a regiment off to Weihai Wei in a few days, and I hear that ten transports have been ordered to come to Taku to take away the other British troops.
In my dispatch No. 100 of the 30th ultimo I informed you of the steps being taken to gradually hand over the policing of the province to the Chinese forces. I have not yet been informed of the method to be followed in transferring the control of this city to the Chinese authorities, but will advise you of it as soon as I can.
I confirm my cablegram to you of this date.
I am, etc.,