File No. 4002/281 A
The Secretary of State to Minister Calhoun.
Washington, May 24, 1910.
Mr. Knox refers to dispatch of December 27, No. 47, from the consulate at Harbin, and says that the department considers that it is no more than equitable that Americans residing at Harbin should pay provisionally through the American consul ordinary municipal rates the same as the Chinese, Russian, and other residents pending the adoption of satisfactory municipal regulations, which, he says, the United States considers as indispensable, and as to which all rights are reserved. Mr. Knox adds that the consul at Harbin should be instructed in this sense and that when occasion offers the Chinese foreign office should be advised that this action has been taken.