493.11/1678: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
59. Your 159, February 17, 11 p.m. Department’s attitude, as indicated in its 47 of February 11, 2 p.m., remains unchanged. Department desires, however, that you confer with your British and Italian colleagues; that you explain to them in strict confidence the Department’s views as indicated in its telegram under reference; that you thereupon telegraphically inform the Department of the views of your colleagues and of their respective Governments in regard to a further postponement of Boxer Indemnity payments, following which the Department, after a further consideration of the matter, will instruct in regard to the substance of reply to be made the Chinese Government.