File No. 774/79–81.

The Secretary of State to Ambassador White .

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

(Mr. Root informs Mr. White that the Governments of Germany, Great Britain, Holland, and Japan are prepared to join the United States in appointing commissioners jointly to investigate the opium question provided that the cooperation of China is assured and provided that the inquiry covers the production of opium in China as well as its importation. States that the Chinese Government is favorably disposed and will doubtless appoint a commissioner, and adds that before proceeding further the reply of France is necessary. Directs Mr. White to see instruction No. 254 of January 31.)