New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-12-19
TANGLE OVER CHINA NOTE.
CH0ATE AND LANSDOwNE CONFER
ABOUT CONFLICT OF INSTRUCTIONS.
THE BLAME LAID UPON CABLE COM
PANY. BUT THE BRITISH FOREIGN
OFFICE is ANXIOITS

OFFICE is ANXIOUS.
London, Dec 1s-Mr Choate the United
States Ambassador, had a long conference this
afternoon regarding the Chinese situation with
the Secretary Of State for Foreign Affairs. the
Marquis OF Lansdowne. and subsequently Mr.
Henry White, secretary OF the United States
Embassy paid visit to the Foreign Office. The
greatest secrecy is maintained to the outcome
OF these consultations What could be learned
from British and American sources varied con-
siderably, the former expressing annoyance and
anxiety, the latter maintaining that nothing
serious was developing.
Some explanation, however, was gathered Of
the extraordinary tangle in which the Chinese
negotiations have recently been involved and
some reconciliation Of the contradictory tele-
grams that have emanated from Peking and
various European capitals. 1t appears that
over a week ago. the Powers came to an agree
ment TO eliminate the word "irrevocable' from
the joint note. Then. when it believed that
everything had been settled, objections were
raised and Great Britain, for the sake Of har-
mony, although much against her viii, agreed
to reinsert the "irrevocable" clause. In this it
is believed she supported by the United
States.
Once more the joint note seemed on the verge
Of signature, when a misunderstanding arose in
formed the subject of the dispatch from Secre-
tary Hay which Mr.. Choate transmitted to the
Marquis Of Lansdowne to-day. AS the result OF
the interview Mr.. Choate has sent a long cable
dispatch to Secretary Hay, IN which he attrib-
utes the latest misunderstanding TO error in
forwarding instructions. error which occurred
presumably through the cable company. and
which caused Mr.. Conger and Sir Ernest Satow.
the British Minister in Peking. to take opposite
views, although their home Governments per-
| fectly agreed. The United States Embassy
while non-committal, hopes that to-day's con-
ferences viii clear up the muddle and bring
about a signing of the joint note in Peking
within few days On the other hand. the Brit
fish Foreign Office is not quite hopeful. OFF,
cials there profess TO be rather at to
whether the conditions are to be irrevocable or
otherwise. Indications point to the former
British officials admit that they gave in under
protest and with distinct reservation that al
though the demands are irrevOcable, this in no
way renders necessary an enforcement of the
demands by European troops. To such a course
Great Britain cannot and will not agree. Conse-
quently, compliance with the 'irrevocable'
clause will be somewhat % farce on the part
Of Great Britain, and this feature Of the case
becomes more interesting when taken in con-
junction with the statement authoritatively
made here that Great Britain and the United
States in the same boat in the joint note
negotiations
A Peking dispatch to THE Pail Mall Gazette, /"
dated December L. says:
The situation has not improved by the repre-
sentatives of the Powers having reached an
agreement, as the scope OF the negotiations is
limited and the effect is neutralized. The alies
have neglected to close the arsenals ana rae
tories at Hankow and Shanghai and nave
failed TO check the transmission Of supplies OF
ammunition Of the Chinese. Tung Fun Slang
thus has every opportunity Of rallying ana
and equipping his army He has secured the
position Of dictator, terrorizes the Empress and
controls all movements Of troops. 1t Will be
necessary 10 give the military operations or the
allies a wider area