893.00/6349: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Jenkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 29—11:16 p.m.]
Referring to my telegram of June 28, 9 a.m. From what I can gather Chinese as well as British and French would be willing to refer Canton affair to an international commission for settlement provided commission is composed of representatives from disinterested powers. It is becoming increasingly evident that this deplorable [Page 756] affair may drag on indefinitely or become even more acute if our Government or some other so-called neutral does not make an effort to start peace negotiations. I would respectfully urge therefore that the Department approach the British Government and the French Government with the suggestion that an international commission be created and that the Canton affair be dealt with separately from Peking because I am convinced Cantonese will never accept any terms made in Peking.
General situation unchanged. Party of American missionaries arriving from the interior threatened by railway workmen but the police intervened. All Americans safe so far. Legation is informed.