393.1123 Lincheng/163: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 19—9 a.m.]
229. My telegram no. 223 of June 14, 5 p.m. The committee at its meeting yesterday used the French word indemnité to cover all classes of compensation, including the $500 demanded for each of the first three days the prisoners were held and $100 for each day thereafter. This claim is referred to as being a fixed indemnity for the loss of liberty and the moral and physical sufferings and hardships endured by the foreigners while held captive by the bandits.
The objection which I had felt to the proposal as originally made, that it was an arbitrary indemnity for no stated object, is removed [Page 662] by this change. I recommend, therefore, that it be approved. I made no formal commitment, awaiting an answer to my telegram under reference.