Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay.
(Mr. Rockhill reports that the proposal for a lump indemnity of £40,000,000 was to-day discussed by the diplomatic corps, none of members have instructions to make definite reply. None are ready to accept that sum, though generally favorable to the principle that it should be within the power of China to pay. The British minister ‘stated that the sum should be reasonable and payment not create financial embarrassment. The Japanese minister thought that consideration may have to be given to the necessity of reduction of claims. The Russian minister agreed that the principal resources of the Empire should be taken into account. The German minister thinks that if China can pay all the claims generosity is unnecessary. Report of commission on the financial resources is awaited before any further discussion. It is generally believed that our limit is too low. Report will be submitted soon, when he will bring up the proposal again.
The Italian minister stated war claim to May 1 to be 70,000,000 francs; each month thereafter, 2,500,000 francs. After July 1, interest of 200,000 francs. All other claims amount to about 21,500,000 francs. The Russian minister stated war claim to May 15 to be 170,000,000 rubles, including railroad destruction; 2,000,000 rubles monthly war expenses thereafter. Private claims, from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 rubles.)