Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay.
Pekin, November 14, 1900.
(Mr. Conger reports that the consular officers at Tientsin have been informed by the Russian general that he has taken absolute possession of a large tract facing the foreign settlement, as property of the Russian army by conquest.
Mr. Conger regards this as a dangerous precedent, as all extensions of foreign settlements should be international. He has directed the United States consul to enter a protest and will himself protest to the Russian minister.
Belgium is also claiming a large tract adjoining that claimed by Russia.
Suggests the probable desirability of further action by the Department.)