893.512/858: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

716. Legation’s 672, August 31, 7 p.m., and 709, September 15, 7 p.m.67 Admiral Bristol,68 in the course of a general conversation, mentioned the taxation agreement made by the Standard Oil Company with Generals Yang Sen and Liu Hsiang. Lacking instructions from the Department, I did not feel at liberty to commit myself in this connection. Preferring not to remain in a position less frank than that desired by the Department, it would be appreciated if the Department would advise me what, if anything, it desires that I say to Bristol at this time on the subject.

Perkins
  1. Neither printed.
  2. Commander in chief of the Asiatic Fleet.