File No. 893.51/1309.
The American Minister to the Secretary of State.
Peking, February 21, 1913—7 p.m.
Your February 20, 6 p.m. Latest development was meeting of Ministers on the 19th, called, to hear answers of German Minister and myself to proposed plan reported in my telegram of February 17, 10 p.m. I expressed assent on conditions named in your telegram February 17, 6 p.m. German Minister said he was instructed to support Chinese nominations, and expressed great dissatisfaction with proposed plan; he thought German financial and commercial interests here justified more important post than one offered Rumpf, the duties of which were temporary; Russian Minister then recommended position of Rumpf be made permanent with enlarged powers. British Minister assented and recommended another office be created called deputy inspector general of salt gabelle and that a German be appointed thereto. German Minister manifested no sympathy with counter proposals offered him, but said he would ask for specific instructions. Today he informs me his Government is again in communication with the British Government. Everything indicates a readjustment of relations of England, France and Russia on lines of triple entente; otherwise complete volte face of British cannot be explained.
As to what China will do, reports differ. If Yuan attempts to put through loan contract as modified by foreigners demands, without the consent of National Council, then opposition may grow into disorders approaching civil war. I believe Russian motive is unfriendly [Page 164] to China and has for its immediate purpose the enforcement of Mongolian demands. The French are cooperating with Russia and together they have forced England into line. The outlook is such that there can be no hope of early signature. To my mind it is no longer a question of friendly international cooperation to help China but a combination of big powers with common interests to accomplish their own selfish political aims.