File No. 893.51/1326.
The American Chargé d’Affaires to the Secretary of State.
Peking, February 28, 1913—4 p.m.
Legation’s telegram of February 17, 10 p.m., and your reply of February 17, 8 p.m.
The British Minister yesterday informed me that the German Government had made suggestions which the British Government had definitely declined because they had no bearing on the loan. The Minister believes the British Government will not wait much longer but will conclude the loan in cooperation with such of the groups as are desirous of participation. He said that when the Chinese Government saw the money available they would accept; that Konovalof, already in the Chinese customs, would be the Russian appointee to whom China could not well object.
Am I authorized, provided the Chinese Government accepts, to agree to appointment of German assistant inspector general of the salt gabelle and in proposal to make the post of German director of the bureau of loans permanent with added powers?