File No. 893.51/1774

The Secretary of State to the American Group

Gentlemen: Referring to your letters of March 8 and May 29, 1917, relative to proposals of the International Group Banks for a supplementary Reorganization Loan to the Chinese Government, I have to advise you that the Department finds after careful consideration that, in view of the political conditions and disturbances now existing in China, it is impossible to make a definite statement outlining a policy in connection with the matters referred to in your letters above cited.

I am [etc.]

Robert Lansing