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  4. Document 674

Mr. Hay to Mr. Middle.

[Telegram.—Paraphase.]
Department of State,
Washington, June 24, 1903.

(Mr. Hay states that the United States minister to China was instructed, in accordance with the wishes of the Russian minister for foreign affairs, as expressed in Mr. Riddle’s telegram of June 15, and duly communicated with the Russian minister at Peking and was told by him that he had no instructions except to await discussion of the question at Washington, and could make no statement to the Chinese Government nor to anyone concerning Russia’s attitude.

Mr. Hay states that the above is not true as regards Washington, as the Russian ambassador at that capital is without instructions.

Mr. Riddle is directed not to bring the subject up, but to make a statement as outlined above if questioned by the minister for foreign affairs.)