25

25

28

29

Same subject. Exchange of notes effected to-day 38
terminating as from July 1, 1916, the sentence
specified in Department's Apr. 21.

Same subject. May the abrogation be explicitly
confined to the second sentence of Art. 18, Treaty of
1858, which alone concerns arrest of seamen?
Same subject. Reply to his July 11; to take no
action until further instructed.
Same subject. Notice of abrogation of the treaty of
Jan. 24, 1891, between the United States and Kongo
should be given by the Belgian Government.
Same subject. The treaty of Jan. 24, 1891, between
the United States and the Kongo was denounced
by the Belgian Government by its note dated June
29, 1916.

37

37

34

35

35

519 Mr. Reinsch to Mr. Bryan. Jan. 18

266 Mr. Bryan to Mr. Reinsch. Apr. 9

624 Mr. Reinsch to Mr. Bryan. May 6

Mr. Lansing to Mr. Reinsch Nov. 18 (telegram).

Mr Reinsch to Mr. Lansing Nov. 24 (telegram).

Same to same (telegram)... Nov. 26

835 Same to same..

Railway negotiations. Transmits copies of dis-
patches addressed to the Legation by Mr. Arnold
on the present status of the tenders for bridge ma-
terial for the Canton-Hankow section.
Same subject. Acknowledges receipt of dispatch
No. 519, Jan. 18, 1915. Department approves your
notes of Nov. 12, 1914, and Jan. 18, 1915, to the
Minister of Communications.

Same subject. Incloses a copy of the English text of
a contract concluded on Mar. 31, 1914, between the
Chinese Government and the British and Chinese
Corporation (Ltd.), for a loan of £8,000,000 for the
construction of a railway from Nanking to Nan-
chang and thence to Pingsiang.
Same subject. It is claimed that administration
expects to place order for locomotives by private
tender contrary to agreement concerning American
standards and public opening of bids. Urge Min-
ister of Communications to instruct as promised in
your telegram of Nov. 11, 1914.

Same subject. Managing director of Hukuang Rail-
way agrees to accept tenders for 10 locomotives
with alternative American standard specifications.
Same subject. Managing director requires shop
erection in bridge contracts. Are American manu-
turers willing to guarantee fit without shop erec-
• tion?

do... Same subject. Incloses copies of dispatches from the
Consulate-General at Hankow, concerning ma-
terials for the Hukuang Railways; a copy of Lega-
tion's No. 1330 to Hankow, and a copy of a pro-
test lodged with the Minister of Communications
in regard to specifications for bridges included
in requisition No. 65.

Mr. Lansing to Mr. Reinsch (telegram).

Dec. 17

Same subject. Your telegram of Nov. 26, 3 p. m.
Use of template and spacing machines makes all
spans exact duplicates. This with inspection con-
sulting engineer should be sufficient.

1915 Dec. 18

1916
3

Mr. Reinsch to Mr. Lansing Jan. (telegram).

Same subject. Steel Products Co. is unwilling to give
the guaranty required. States its work is laid out
by means of templates and spacing machines; all
spans exact duplicates. As Company has bid upon
the specifications exactly as called for, urge
upon Chinese Government the fairness of these
proposals.

Political affairs. Situation more serious from point
of view of Central Government. Continued exist-
ence of disaffection at Yunnan and Kweichow is
likely to encourage opposition elsewhere.

.do... Same subject. Discusses the Yunnan movement.
In present situation, two principal features are the
personal umpopularity of Yuan and fear of Japan.
Thus far military governors are reported loyal.
Huai River conservancy loan. Reply to Depart-
ment's Dec. 28, 1915. The Chinese Government
will renew the Red Cross option if the bankers will
finance restoration of the Grand Canal from the
Yangtze to Techow at not over $3,000,000.

Same to same (telegram)... Jan

Mr. Lansing to Mr. Reinsch. Jan.

4

5 Railway negotiations. Acknowledges receipt of dis-
patch No. 835 of Nov. 26, 1915. Approves of action
taken.

Same to same (telegram)... Jan. 10

Mr. Reinsch to Mr. Lansing Jan. 11
(telegram).
Same to same..
Jan. 15

Huai River conservancy loan. The Red Cross be-
lieves the American International Corporation
would be interested in the Grand Canal project on
lines suggested in his Jan. 4; states terms desired,
including extension Red Cross option on Huai
River conservancy project.

Political affairs. Yunnanese revolutionists are
attempting military operations against the south.
Same subject. Revolutionary movement in Yunnan
has not passed as yet beyond the stage of a personal
revolt. No further defection of military leaders.
Representatives of powers, with whom discussion
of this matter has been had, feel that delay of recog-
nition of the monarchical government would only
serve to encourage irresponsible element.
Same subject. Yunnan revolt still localized.
Change in the form of state will probably soon be
announced together with a specific declaration of
policy. Neutral ministers agree that recognition
upon announcement is warranted by actual author-
ity of Government and advisable.
Same subject. The Ministers of Spain, Netherlands,
Sweden, Portugal and Denmark signified their
readiness to cooperate in the recogniation of the
Imperial Government. No intimation given to
the Chinese Government of likelihood of recogni-
tion by the United States. Authority of Govern-
ment in south should be more fully tested.
Huai River conservancy loan. Reply to Depart-
ment's Jan. 10. The matter is settled according to
instructions; four months granted for further
investigation; other particulars; pertinent cor-
respondence inclosed.

Political affairs. Presented reply of the President of
the United States to President Yuan's message of
congratulation on the occasion of Mr. Wilson's
marriage. Incloses memoranda concerning a con-
structive policy for China and regarding the use of
foreign experts in the Chinese administration.
Railway negotiations. Suggests either demand for
removal of British chief engineer for not adhering
in his specifications to principle of equal opportu-
nity or, preferably, action by the American group,
prevailing on bankers to issue orders placing
standards of the other nations on equal footing.
Political affairs. Supplements dispatch No. 918.
Authority of Yuan further weakened through
delay in expelling the Yunnanese from Szechuan
and through the failure to announce a definite
policy with respect to the constitution.
Same subject. Informed that President had dis-
cussed the question of an early convocation of Par-
liament with his Council of State. Commission
charged to ascertain whether, under existing laws,
the members elected for the citizens convention
could be summoned as a parliament, or whether a
new election would be necessary. Accession to the
throne is indefinitely postponed.

1916 Feb. 24

..do....

Same subject. Unfounded and exaggerated reports
concerning condition of affairs in China emanating
from Japanese press have given rise to a public
belief of widespread and active Japanese intrigue.
Same subject. Formal proclamation of monarchy,
which was soon to be issued and accompanied by
the promulgation of a constitution guaranteeing a
parliament elected by the people and with certain
powers of financial and general legislation, has been
postponed. Reason.
..do..... Same subject. President announced that in future
the Cabinet will have a weekly meeting under the
presidency of the Secretary of State for the discus-
sion of matters of public policy; that there will be
regular conferences between groups of ministers of
state and the chief advisers in the respective
branches for the discussion of measures of govern-
ment.

Feb. 25 Railway negotiations. Your telegram Feb. 21, mid-
night. American Government expects Chinese
Government to enforce observance of agreement
by engineers and managing director or to remove
and replace them.

Apr. 6

Same subject. Incloses copy of a letter from the
American group concerning reports of a Russo-
Chinese agreement permitting Russia to build a
railroad from Harbin to Aigun with a branch to
Tsitsihar; instructions in case of existence of such
an agreement.

Political affairs. Government troops are reported to
have scored successes in Szechuan. Situation in
Kikiang and Hunan is uncertain.
Same subject. Government received telegram from
the authorities of Kuangsi in which they demanded
cancellation of the Imperial movement and threat-
ened joint action with Yunnan.

Same subject. Officials of Kuangsi have sided with
revolutionists and the military governor of Kwant-
ung can not be absolutely relied upon by the Cen-
tral Government. Situation in Province of Hunan
is also very uncertain.
Same subject. Government has decided to promul-
gate mandate canceling monarchy. Yuan will re-
main President. Many others who disapproved
monarchy will again actively join the Govern-
ment.

Same subject. Much uneasiness among native pop-
ulation. Certain troops reported to be ready for
revolt.
Same subject. Incloses translation of the mandate
canceling the monarchy. Gives reasons for and
result of this cancellation.

Same to same (telegram)... Apr.
Apr.

5

Same subject. Prospects more favorable for internal
peace.

7

Mr. Reinsch to Mr. Lansing (telegram).

Loan negotiations. Loan contract for $5,000,000 be-
tween the Chinese Government and Lee, Higgin-
son & Co.

Apr. 11 Political affairs. The fact that revolutionists are
without united policy and that no presidential
candidate could command general allegiance is
making leaders of all factions consider the tempo-
rary retention of Yuan. Nanking reports consid-
erable unrest and rumors of impending declaration
of independence.

88 Mr. Peck to Mr. Lansing....do..... Same subject. Apr. 20 is set for an attack on the

556 Mr. Josselyn to Mr. Lan- Apr. 12 sing.

cities of Kiaochau and Kaomi. Weihsien is also
to be attacked. Prominent Chinese merchants,
adherents of no political party, are being black-
mailed by revolutionists under threat of death.
Army of revolutionists in Tsingtau is being
strengthened by recruits from Manchuria.
Same subject. Declaration of independence of
Kwantung Province. Reports from interior indi-
cate that conditions there are very bad. Gives
make-up of three parties in Southern China.

Mr. Reinsch to Mr. Lan- Apr. 13 Same subject. Chekiang has declared independence
sing (telegram).

and several other provinces are likely to follow.
No prospect of united action except opposition to
Yuan which is increasing in bitterness.

Same to same (telegram)... Apr. 15

Apr. 17

Apr. 18

Same to same (telegram)... Apr. 20

344

Same to same (telegram)... Apr. 21

.do.
.do.

Same subject. Bitter factional struggle; Kwangtung,
Chekiang quiet. In Peking Vice President and
Yuan cooperate. Governors asking the President
to withdraw. Latter is looking for suitable man to
form coalition cabinet.

Huai River conservancy loan. Reports conclusion
of preliminary contract for improvement of Grand
Canal in Shantung Province, as part of Huai
River conservancy plan. The Chinese Govern-
ment felt obliged, under the Treaty of 1898, to offer
participation in the loan to the Germans.
Political affairs. States most cardinal specific facts
upon which the situation at present hinges. Mili-
tary governors of Central China are expected to
call upon Yuan to retire.

Huai River conservancy. The contract reported in
his Apr. 17 the most favorable ever obtained by
foreigners. Prompt ratification urged.

do..... Railway negotiations. Incloses copies of a railway
loan recently concluded between the Chinese Gov-
ernment and the Russo-Asiatic Bank.
Political affairs. State of uncertainty continues.
Revolutionists have no policy but to oust Yuan.
The Government, on account of stoppage of the
salt income through action of Japanese bank and
generally diminished revenue, will be without
funds within a month. Very serious situation
threatens unless unity and reorganization can be
effected without delay.

..do.....

Apr. 24

Huai River conservancy loan. Further information
about the Shantung Canal loan.
Political affairs. President has issued mandate that
hereafter the administration will be carried out by
a cabinet responsible to Parliament, to be elected
within three months. Names of cabinet mem-
bers.

Mr. Josselyn to Mr. Lan- ...do.... Same subject. Incloses copy of a circular telegram
sing.

addressed to the various Consuls from the tutus of
the four southern Provinces. Outlying districts
have been in the hands of the so-called people's
army. Rice supply cut off in many places in the
interior.

Same subject. Cabinet has taken over administra-
tive powers; also control over the military. Pro-
vincial assemblies and national assembly to be
called immediately; all Government revenues and
expenses to be audited, results published; dis-
sident elements to be won over without the use
of arms.

Huai River conservancy loan. Further informa-
tion. The Chinese Government observed the
treaty with Germany by giving notice. No
treaty obligation has accrued as to Japan.
Loan negotiations. Incloses translation of power
granted to the Chinese Minister to negotiate a loan
with Lee, Higginson & Co.

Huai River conservancy loan. Refers to his No. 923
of Feb. 4. Enlarges on his foregoing telegrams;
the Kiangsu negotiations are going on.
Political affairs. Government bodies are working
quietly for the reunion of all the Provinces. The
elimination of Yuan is evidently being prepared to
take place as soon as complete control of situation
is assured to Tuan and associates.
Railway negotiations. American Locomotive Sales
Corporation advised Ministry of Communications
desires to obtain four-year loan of $1,000,000 upon
security of revenue. Your opinion of value of
security requested. Also confirmation of reported
purpose of loan to complete Peking-Kalgan Rail-
way extension.
Political affairs. Revolutionary force of thousand
armed men including many Japanese was landed
at Wei Hsien May 4 from Tsingtau by a special
train and attacked the city, which is reported
taken. Japanese refused to carry Chinese force
from Tsingtau on the ground that neutrality must
be maintained. Chinese protested to Japanese
Legation and Foreign Office.