File No. 5315/487.
The Acting Secretary of State to the British Ambassador.
Washington September 11, 1909.
Replying to your telegram [note] of September 8, Government of United States appreciates interest and friendly disposition of His Majesty’s Government in respect to American participation in the proposed Chinese railway loan.
I have the honor, however, to advise Your Excellency that previous to the receipt of Your Excellency’s message, the Government of United States had communicated to the Chinese Government terms and conditions upon which the Government of United States would be willing that American interests should participate in that loan, and that therefore, while these propositions are pending, Government of United States is not prepared to take any action upon the friendly suggestions of the British Government.