File No. 893.00/608.

The American Ambassador to Russia to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

Although the Chinese Chargé d’Affaires stated to me last night that the revolution is purely local, confined to northern provinces, with all the south tranquil. Neratoff regards affair in China as very serious, and says the reports to him are that revolution is spreading. He appreciates the good will of the United States, but as no foreign casualties are reported does not deem it expedient to interfere. No Russian vessels have been sent to the scene of disturbance, except one small gunboat.

Otto Franke of Hamburg, Oriental expert, declares the outbreak derives from the ancient hatred of one branch of the Mongolian race for another, rather than from any genuine movement for reform or resistance to oppression.

Guild.