893.00/8–2549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Strong)
TelCan 620. Re Cantel 1002 [1012] of Aug 23,9 pls ascertain any further details obtainable re: Military possibilities described by Li and Pai. Specific info on reliable troops available, present supply situation arms, ammunition, food, etc; Pai’s plans for further operations and his estimate minimum requirement arms and silver for continued resistance. Also request your comments re: Probable effectiveness such assistance and time factors involved. Request for above info should be understood by Li and Pai not as implied commitment that assistance will be forthcoming but as desire fully to understand what was reported Cantel 1002 [1012] For urinfo only, we may wish to send qualified officer to assess possibilities effective resistance if firm will to resist is demonstrated.