Foreign Relations of the United States, 1901, Appendix, Affairs in China, Report of William W. Rockhill, Late Commissioner to China, with Accompanying Documents

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

Peking, December 20, 1900.

(Mr. Conger reports that the ministers have agreed to and will sign that day the joint note as transmitted December 4, inserting the word “irrevocable” and adding the British amendment, with the definite understanding that the amendment commits no power to any joint military operations. He has felt obliged to at once acquiesce without awaiting Department’s reply to his telegram of the 19th or else make his Government responsible for indefinite delay and possible failure of negotiations. He hopes the Department will approve his action.)