393.1123 Coltman, Charles/81: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 5—9 a.m.]
131. Your 73, April 26, 5 p.m. My 129, May 4, 1 p.m. Lieutenant General Chang Hsi-yuan, tutung of Chahar, came to Legation at 10:15 this morning and apologized for the firing on the American consul and Coltman (in the latter case with fatal results) and, on behalf of my Government, I accepted the apology. I had urged Tsao Kun that the apology should be made this week and, although [Page 737] Koo wanted to postpone it so that the case could be settled in its entirety, Tsao Kun has complied with my wishes. I urge, nevertheless, that the Department fix the amount of the indemnity at the earliest possible date, and also give me instructions as to the time and manner of payment.
[Paraphrase.] I note that the proposed punishment of officers is acceptable to the Department as the most that can be obtained. Undoubtedly this is the case. [End paraphrase.]