File No. 893.00/826.

The American Minister to the Secretary of State.

[Extract.]
No. 362.]

Sir: * * * Some weeks ago the Legation advised Americans in the regions affected by military operations in the provinces of [Page 167] Chihli, Shansi and Honan to send their families to places of safety. Most of them have done so. Similar action was taken by many consuls whose districts were affected by revolutionary risings.

The increase of lawlessness and the reports of attacks upon foreigners seem to call for a general removal of our citizens so far as possible to ports that are accessible to naval vessels, and on the 18th instant therefore I issued a circular of instruction to the consuls to that effect.

I have [etc.]

W. J. Calhoun.