Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger.
(Acknowledging Mr. Conger’s telegram of the 16th, Mr. Hay refers to the text of the note telegraphed on December 4 as having been agreed upon, which omitted “irrevocable,” and states that Mr. Conger was telegraphed on the 5th to “Sign joint note as transmitted.” Mr. Hay does not understand how “irrevocable”comes to be restored without the Department’s knowledge. The United States Government objects to it, and has done so from the beginning.
The additional amendment proposed by Great Britain is also objectionable, since the United States can not engage to participate in an indefinite occupation of Peking and Chihli by the general forces. This objection is individual on the part of the United States Government. Mr. Conger is instructed that if he finds general concurrence in the British amendment, he need not stand out against it, but in yielding he should make it clear that it does not bind the United States to continue conjoint military operations. But the Department thinks earnest endeavor should be made for acquiescence in the agreed draft telegraphed December 4.)