File No. 893.811/125.

The Secretary of State to Minister Reinsch.

[Telegram.]

Your telegram May 8th. American Red Cross gratified that Chinese Government is considering proposal of its Minister of Foreign Affairs. If adopted it will probably ensure the results so much desired by that Government and American Red Cross, which organization hopes for speedy and favorable action by Government on said proposal to finance supplemental survey. Meanwhile as further earnest of good faith and unabated interest, the Red Cross will immediately organize and send to China a board of three engineers for verification of Jameson report and estimate. Without such report by eminent engineers it will not be practicable to finance conservancy loan in America. At same time Red Cross will advance needed funds to meet early board expenses, having entire confidence that Government will recognize disinterested motives of Red Cross, and at least share the expenses of further survey for verification.

Three American engineers highest standing will make this investigation, devoting three months to survey and study, Jameson helping. Meanwhile Red Cross will omit no effort to solve problem of floating the loan, deeming it inopportune to discuss contract for execution until report of engineering board is available.

Bryan
.