File No. 893.00/903.
The American Minister to the Secretary of State .
Peking , January 8, 1912 .
I did not base my telegram of January 3 merely on British Minister’s request but on previous concurrence of colleagues concerned. It is generally understood that we would cooperate. Trouble occurred on section of road allotted to us, therefore British Minister asked about our troops. I have again conferred with colleagues and told them I had again recommended a regiment. All agreed it was proper. British are guarding our section until our troops arrive. I am not insistent on regiment; perhaps a smaller force would suffice. I have explained about troops to Yuan and to Liang Shih Yi, Director General, who both expressed assent, but said they expected to be able to protect the line.