The Acting Secretary of State to Minister Rockhill.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

(Mr. Peirce informs Mr. Rockhill that the Standard Oil Company has made representations to the Department that the Chinese boycott is to begin on August 1, and that the petroleum industry of the United States will be gravely affected thereby. Mr. Rockhill is instructed to ascertain, in bringing the matter to the attention of the Chinese Government, whether its order prohibiting the boycott of American goods will be effective.)