Ambassadors also outranked envoys until the 1960s, when the last legations were upgraded to embassies. However, states gave Baltic legations and consulates to the Soviet Union. As Secretary, he recommended pay increases for military personnel serving at foreign embassies and legations. The last remaining American legations, in Bulgaria and Hungary, were upgraded to embassies in 1966. The diplomatic legations in Peking requested military support. In Beijing there were 450 soldiers and marines from eight countries protecting the diplomatic legations. Soldiers at the British embassy and German legations shot and killed several Boxers. The diplomatic legations in Beijing requested that guards be sent to protect them. The Austrians and Italians abandoned their isolated legations. The next morning, diplomats from the besieged legations met to discuss the Empress's offer. The foreign legations continued to be surrounded by both Qing imperial and Gansu forces. Other legations were sent in 1532 and 1533. During the Boxer Rebellion, Russia became involved due to its presence in the foreign legations. The Siege of the Legations was over. News arrived on 18 June regarding attacks on foreign legations.