2
166
4. He spoke, once more, of the disinclination
He spoke,
to
under
underlying the (Note), of his government, (entrench) in Tientsin if they could thereby get American draft article 16 accepted for Shanghai. Did he understand that I was as firmly opposed as ever to this? I replied in the affirmative.
5. I told him I had just telegraphed un- officially (see my telegram 353) for any indication that might be available from home as to the course
which I should now pursue.
I had mentioned that he was as puzzled as I. He confirmed that, The one clear (?group omitted) shown was that State Department wished to keep absolutely in line with us and either negotiate
I thanked simultaneously or follow us as before.
him.
Addressed to Foreign Office, repeated to Mr.
Aveling and Shanghai.