File No. 893.51/907.
The Chinese Minister to the Secretary of State.
Washington, May 25, 1912.
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I am in receipt of a cablegram from my Government stating that the loan negotiation between the four-power group and the Chinese Government has now reached a critical stage. While the result of the conference of the representatives of the four-power group has not yet been made known, it is feared that if the group persists in its intention to exact unreasonable terms the Chinese Government will be greatly hampered in the discharge of administrative functions and the task of maintaining order throughout the country will be made doubly difficult. The traditional policy of the Government of the United States toward China has invariably been one of justice and impartiality, having for its basis the maintenance of the open door and the integrity of China. Moreover the people of the United States have always [Page 134] taken a sympathetic interest in the efforts of the Chinese people to secure a greater degree of prosperity and peace, as evidenced by the concurrent resolution of Congress congratulating the people of China upon the establishment of the Republic. Relying therefore upon the sincere friendship between the United States and China, I have been instructed to appeal to your excellency to use your good offices so that the negotiation between my Government and the four-power group may reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Please accept [etc.]