493.11/1684: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
80. Your 229, March 9, 5 p.m. Department considers it desirable that replies of American, British and Italian Governments to the Chinese Government’s request for further postponement of payment of their respective shares of Boxer Indemnity payments synchronize as to time of transmission to the Chinese Government and that they be similar as to the general attitude expressed therein. Department therefore desires that you withhold your reply until the replies of your British and Italian colleagues are ready for transmission.
In the event that both the British and Italian Governments are prepared to reply adversely, you are authorized to inform the Foreign Office of the attitude of the American Government as indicated in Department’s 47, February 11, 2 p.m. In the event that either the British or Italian Governments is agreeable to a further postponement of payments, please so inform the Department and await further instructions.
Department suggests that at your discretion you discuss matter along above lines with your British and Italian colleagues, pointing out your view that early reply appears to be desirable.