861.77/3542a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Schurman)
170. Department’s telegram No. 151, July 11, 9 p.m. French Chargé d’Affaires informs the Department the British Government has suggested that French Minister in Peking should arrange for a conference of the representatives of Powers participating in Washington Conference Resolution No. XIII with a view to examining and recommending to their Governments what steps may be practicable for the purpose of protecting foreign rights in the Chinese Eastern Railway. French Chargé added his Government would be glad if you could be authorized to take part in such a discussion.
The Department has not hitherto understood that the British Government had concerned itself in this matter, and feels doubtful whether the proposed discussions can be expected to lead to any further result than has already been arrived at in the informal conversations which would appear to have taken place already among the Legations more particularly interested.
You may however take part in the proposed discussions, basing your attitude upon the views communicated to you in the Department’s telegram of July 11, 9 p.m., and submitting to the Department any proposals arising out of the discussions.