893.00/4291: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 13—8:45 p.m.]
149. Chow Tzu-ch’i assumed office as Acting Premier 9th instant, meanwhile Chang Tso-lin occupying with troops Peking–Mukden Railway including stations named in protocol, article 9,25 also Tientsin-Pukow line as far as Tsangchow. Eleven train loads troops detailed Chiinliangcheng, 18 miles southeast of Tientsin and same number Liangwangchuang 38 kilometers south of Tientsin on Pukow line. Reliable information high authorities Paotingfu indicates imminence fighting. Unexplained fighting already occurred Honan between troops Wu Pei-fu and Governor Ch’ao T’i.
Diplomatic body today addressed warning based on article 9 protocol against reported intention Chang occupy railway stations Tangku and Chinwangtao.
Chang’s object appears to be reinstatement Liang Shih-yi and Yeh Kung-ch’o which Wu Pei-fu obstinately opposes. Chow very dissatisfied with his own position and unlikely remain as Acting Premier long unless Liang can be transferred to some face-saving post and his appointment made permanent. His motive appears to be patriotic desire to rescue China from present dangerous situation if possible, but he feels hopeless owing to lack of money and authority. His primary object to prevent fighting and he professes to be hopeful of success. He will attempt no fundamental constructive measures until Premier question settled, but he will not act as puppet of any military or political faction to secure Premiership.