File No. 893.00/1132.

The American Minister to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram.]

Paoting-fu looted and many houses burned, including some missions; several foreigners reported killed; telegraph broken. Looting troops started for Peking by train. Tong Shao-yi sent a note to British Minister representing situation as serious and requested the diplomatic representatives to save Peking and prevent bloodshed. Diplomatic representatives agreed that foreigners should not actively intervene, but that in view of prevailing anarchy decided to bring 1,000 troops from Tientsin for restraining effect. English, French, Germans, Japanese, and Russians will participate. I have applied to Arrasmith for 200 men. Tong expressed satisfaction. I have importunate calls for guards from missions here and can use additional troops with good effect.

Calhoun.