Mr. Rockhill to Mr.
Hay.
No. 56.]
Commissioner of
the United States to China,
Peking, April 4,
1901.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your
information copy of a letter addressed by me to Major-General Chaffee,
suggesting that he help bring about a conference of the military commanders
here for the purpose of preparing a joint report on the means necessary for
carrying out Articles VIII and IX of the Joint Note of December 24,
1900.
I inclose also General Chaffee’s reply to the same.
I have the honor, etc.
[Inclosure No. 1 with dispatch No.
56.]
Mr. Rockhill to
General Chaffee.
Sir: The governments participating in the
present negotiations having conferred together on the advisability of
“the various commanders in chief of the military forces now in northern
China preparing jointly a plan for carrying out the provisions of
Articles VIII and IX of the Joint Note, I have been instructed by the
Secretary of State that the United States, as one of the signatories of
said note, should, in his opinion, join, through its military
representative, in determining the measures which the carrying out of
said article may comport, and in which we reserve the right subsequently
to participate.
In view of the above instructions I have the honor to suggest that in my
opinion it seems highly, desirable that such conference of the military
commanders be held at the very earliest date practicable, and I would be
greatly pleased if you would use your influence to bring it about.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure No. 2 with dispatch No.
56.]
General Chaffee to
Mr. Rockhill.
Headquarters China Relief Expedition,
Peking, China, April
3, 1901.
Sir: Referring to your communication of the 2d
instant, I have the honor to inform you that a conference of the
commanders of the various contingents of the cooperating forces in China
is to be held at the Winter Palace at 10 o’clock a.m., April 6, 1901, to
discuss the military measures to be taken under Articles VIII and IX of
the Joint Note.
I have signified my intention of attending the conference in person.
Very respectfully,
Adna R. Chaffee,
Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding U. S. Troops
in China.
