893.51/4437: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 6—6:31 a.m.]
385. Following from commander of South China Patrol.
“December 5, 11 p.m. Local authorities today delivered to British consul general reply to note from diplomatic corps. Reply states that [at] the expiration of two weeks all payment of money collected by Maritime Customs Canton to Peking Government must cease. Will transmit full text when available. One Japanese destroyer arrived today and Italian gunboat expected tomorrow from Peiho River. Leveson states he regrets I cannot join British and French if action becomes advisable.”
Admiral Leveson is commander in chief British China squadron.