Mr. Hay to Mr. Wu.

No. 201.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note No. 226 of the 20th instant, in which, in view of the fact that the Imperial court has returned to Peking, and that peace and order have been restored, and as Tientsin is the port of Peking and the seat of the viceregal government of Chihli, the opinion is expressed that the city should be restored to the administration of the Chinese authorities, so that the viceroy may assume full charge of his office, and the request is made that I will use my good offices with the governments of the powers to the end that a date may be fixed for the restoration of Tientsin and its suburbs to Chinese authority.

The Government of the United States has favored the early evacuation of Tientsin, and will consult the occupying powers.

Accept, etc.,

John Hay.