893.1123 Coltman, Charles/81: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China ( Schurman )
83. Your telegram No. 131 May 5, 1 P.M. appears to conclude satisfactorily the settlement of points other than that of indemnity for Coltman’s death; but the Department thinks it advisable that in any eventual correspondence closing the case the Legation should make it clear that this Government reserves the right to protest in the event of its being found hereafter that the dismissed officers have again been taken into military service under the Chinese Government.
You will doubtless find it desirable to avoid the possibility of prejudicing action on the several claims to be made in behalf of Coltman’s estate, by withholding until those claims have been finally adjusted any indication of this Government’s satisfaction with the other terms of settlement of the Coltman incident.
In the absence of any precise indications of Coltman’s earning capacity, which it is appreciated would be almost impossible to estimate because of the continuous interference with his business by the Chinese authorities, the Department considers, in the light of all facts thus far known to it, that the indemnity for his death might properly be fixed at gold dollars 25000.
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