Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1912

File No. 893.51/595.

[Untitled]

Peking, October 15, 1911.

Chou Tzu Chi, of the Foreign Office, told me today that Japan has a squadron under waiting orders ready to sail for China and join Admiral Kawashima at Hankow. The despatch two days before the outbreak of Military Attaché Saito to Hankow instead of to the manoeuvers, and the arrival of the Japanese admiral at Hankow the day after the outbreak, are regarded as suspicious. The Chinese Government has been for months fearful of Japanese designs.

Williams.