File No. 893.00/785.
The Japanese Chargé d’Affaires at Washington to the Secretary of State.
[Memorandum—Extract—Translation. Composed of the substance of a telegram received by the Japanese Chargé d’Affaires from his Government. Handed to the Secretary of State December 18, 1911.]
While realizing from the first the very serious nature of the present disturbance in China, the Japanese Government have so far found wisdom in abstaining from taking any special steps in connection therewith and have confined themselves to the position of keeping watch over developments of the situation. Progress of events however appear to bring a keener apprehension that the situation is growing worse. The dignity and power of the Manchu Dynasty have been reduced to naught. [Here follows a review of the Imperial Government’s condition.]
On the other hand the revolutionists, who are divided among different localities, evidently lack cohesion and a real leader. [Review of the situation of the revolutionists.]
If this state of affairs is allowed to continue indefinitely not only will it arrest trade and commerce but may eventuate in an anti-foreign uprising somewhat similar to the Boxer trouble. Besides, with the approaching winter the indigent condition of millions of people who barely emerged from the effect of the recent flood and famine is likely to give rise to many acts of wantonness on the part of the newly enlisted soldiers and the otherwise peaceful populace in different localities. In such circumstances there can be little or no hope for the revolutionists successfully to maintain order in localities under their occupation.
The fundamental point of controversy in China to-day is in the choice between monarchy and republic. In the opinion of the Japanese Government however it would seem essentially difficult in a country like China to adopt a republican form of government nor do they believe that the Chinese people are at all prepared to carry into effect such a system of government even if it were adopted; especially when the actual state of affairs of the revolutionists’ side is such as above reviewed there is little likelihood of their proving equal to the task they have imposed upon themselves. Yet, on the other hand the powerlessness of the Manchu Dynasty can no longer be disputed. To restore its authority and let it reign over and govern the country under the old system would be equally beyond practicability.
[Page 57]Accordingly the best way to meet the present situation in China seems, in the opinion of the Japanese Government, to be by establishing practically a Chinese rule under nominal reign of the Manchu Dynasty, thus insuring on the one hand due respect for the rights of the Chinese people and checking, on the other, the arbitrary exercise by the Manchus of their power, and dismissing the impracticable idea of a republic. Fortunately enough the new Articles of Constitution, to which the Regent on behalf of the throne has solemnly sworn adherence, are already there. Imperfect as they are, they may nevertheless be helpful to the situation. It would thus appear to be very wise for China of to-day to adopt the course above indicated and endeavor to adjust its affairs accordingly.
Such being the case the Japanese Government deem it advisable to bring both sides to terms by making, on the one hand, the Manchu Dynasty accept the above principle and realize the wisdom of thus maintaining its reign, and making, on the other, the revolutionists understand not only the impracticability of establishing a republic, but the danger of such a scheme to the existence of the whole Empire as well as to the welfare of the Chinese themselves, leaving in the meantime the question of future guaranty for observance of the terms—that is to say, the maintenance of the present Dynasty and respect of the position of the Chinese—to the concert of the powers having important interests in China.
These are the views the Japanese Government take of the present situation in China, and they desire to be informed of what may be the views of the United States Government on the situation.
Washington (Undated).