Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay.
Peking, China, March 8, 1901.
Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram to you of yesterday.
In this connection I wish to say that notwithstanding the announcement made in your telegram of February that two troops of cavalry would be designated for the purpose of guarding the legation and for garrisoning Tientsin, it was stated by General Chaffee and considered settled by the legation that only one company of infantry would be kept, for the time being, at Peking as a legation guard. This force was held by our military authorities and the legation to be ample for all requirements. Furthermore, the ground in the Tartar city on which the United States can build a legation and quarters for its guard is entirely inadequate if two companies, say 250 men, are to be left here. Many would have to be quartered far away, and be of little use in case of a riot or a sudden attack. Mr. Conger pointed this out to you in his telegram of December 7 last, in which I thoroughly concur.
In view of the sufficiency of a guard of one company of infantry, and the fact that it was believed on all sides that we had determined to have that number, and that there is no valid reason to be found in the state of the country to double it at present, I deem it would be impolitic to do so, especially as some of the other powers might be disposed to avail themselves of the fact to increase their already large guards and demand the indefinite occupation by their troops of many public buildings, temple grounds, etc., which should be returned to the Chinese at the earliest possible date.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,