861.77/1321: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Tenney) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 27—1:46 p.m.]
26. Referring to the Legation’s telegram[s] January 19, 4 p.m.72 and January 20, 11 a.m.73 The Chinese Ministry of Finance is impatient for the American reply to the loan proposal, the Chinese [New Year] settlement debts being only three weeks off. The British, French and Japanese Legations have informed the Chinese that nothing can be done until I receive instructions. The report is circulating among the Chinese that Americans are holding up the loan and American prestige is thereby suffering. I would appreciate definite instructions so that I may announce the American decision either for or against the loan.