File No. 893.00/1826.
No. 936.]
American Legation,
Peking,
July 22, 1913.
[Inclosure—Memorandum—Translation.]
The Republic has been in existence for over a year and ever since its
foundation the Provisional Government has been constantly engaged in
efforts to restore order and promote the union. Only thus could
local peace be maintained,
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only thus could the nation be brought into being. Diplomatic
relations between foreign governments and the Government of this
nation have been carried forward without a break, while commercial
and financial interests have daily improved. There has been an
earnest desire to meet loan and indemnity obligations to all foreign
governments promptly as they became due.
But unless order were maintained throughout the country without fear
of interruption it would be impossible to improve the financial
condition of the nation and no genuine safety could be secured. The
Government of this nation has thoroughly realized these facts and
has with all its energies sought for progress along these lines,
sparing itself no exertion to accomplish these ends. It has been
evident that the disruption of order would work harm to the union
and it would be impossible to proceed with the disbanding of useless
troops, the reformation of the currency and the national finances,
and other projects. Moreover, foreign commercial interests under
these circumstances could not hope to avoid detriment. Not only
would the good citizens of this nation have had just cause for
grievance, but friendly nations as well.
Official counsels in the central and southern portions of the country
have been at variance. Persons devoted to the welfare of the nation
have undoubtedly been numerous, but it has been unavoidable that
there should also be those to squander funds on the collecting of
troops, those whose pleasure is in disaster, whose delight is in
ruin. The Government has been forced to make removals and changes as
required by circumstances, to the end that localities might have
worthy officials and the country prosperity.
But disorderly characters have availed themselves of these
circumstances to cause disorders, and military operations have been
precipitated. The local forces of the official who has acted as
Military Governor of the province in question in addition to his
regular duties, have been looked upon by the people of the province
as enemies, and they have regarded the entire Government that has
the sympathies and support of all as the government of a foreign
nation. Agitations have been made for rebellious military measures
and the breaking up of the union, with the result that the
distressed people who have been but just rescued would again be
plunged into bitter misery. The commercial classes hate these men
and the markets are disorganized.
The Government has despatched troops to the small and remote region
where disorder exists and it will not be difficult to restore quiet
within a short period of time. But the Government is animated by
sentiments of humanity and affection and it is fundamentally
peaceable; hence it is not its desire to inflict upon that locality
the distress of military operations. Its only desire is the early
quieting of internal disturbances and the rehabilitation of
commerce.
Members of the National Assembly and of the provincial chambers of
commerce have demanded of the Government the immediate punishment of
these rebels. The Government has received a commission from the
people and it cannot but perform its full duty. This is the
distressful and unavoidable situation in which the Government finds
itself with respect to these internal disorders. Foreign nations are
most friendly with this nation and must feel the greatest concern at
the present time. Hence this communication is made for their
complete understanding of the present circumstances.
Wai Chiao Pu,
July 20, 1913.
