File No. 1571/19–21.
The Acting Secretary of State to Chargé Fletcher.
Washington, August 23, 1909.
Sir: The department acknowledges the receipt of your No. 1193, of the 2d ultimo, reporting various suggestions made by the German consulate at Shanghai, and the German legation at Peking, looking toward a revision of the present plan for the conservancy of the Whangpoo, and to the maintenance of the ship channel in its present condition until sufficient funds shall be assured to complete the work.
The department approves your action in opposing any interference by the diplomatic body with the prosecution of the work, especially in view of the danger that such interference might lessen the feeling of responsibility of the Chinese Government in the matter. The marked progress of the work on the new channel, as reported in the newspaper clipping forwarded by you, is very gratifying. At the same time the department would be glad to receive from you a report on the financial prospects of the enterprise, describing also the means that have thus far been adopted to secure the funds required, with such comment as may serve to explain the anxiety of the German legation in this regard.
I am, etc.,