Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.
(Mr. Conger acknowledges Department’s telegram containing Russian declaration and reply of United States, and reports that a large [Page 341] part of the Russian forces is now being withdrawn. The restoration of order in this province or of Chinese authority in Peking is, for the present, impossible. Joint military occupation of Peking is absolutely essential to successful negotiations, and should continue until same are completed. One-third of the present force will suffice.
Mr. Conger does not believe, from his acquaintance with Prince Ching and Earl Li, that they can offer any feasible plan. It must be devised by foreign powers, hence the necessity of their early conference and agreement.)