File No. 803.51/1861.
The Japanese Ambassador to the Secretary of State.
The attention of the Japanese Ambassador has been called to a statement recently appearing in the press and claiming to have emanated from the White House, in pronouncement of the new policy of the American Administration on the subject of the Chinese loan. Assuming the authenticity of the statement, it is expected that such disavowal by the United States Government of the policy of concerted action, established in common accord among the six powers, will be officially communicated to all the other parties to the understanding, and more especially to Japan which, at the invitation of the American Government, was persuaded to take part in the international financial consortium respecting the China reorganization loan. In the meantime, the Japanese Ambassador should feel particularly grateful if he could be favored with an exposition of the views of the American Government on the subject, for his own information.
It will be remembered that the plan of the six-power loan was actuated by a sincere desire to supply China with requisite funds conformably to her request, and to render her necessary assistance, with a view to successful reorganization of the country, consequent [Page 174] upon the recent revolution. Such assistance, which was designed to meet China’s pressing financial need and to contribute to the restoration of order and the establishment of authority in that country, has naturally a close connection with the question of recognition of the new Republic. That question was already under serious consideration of the Japanese Government as early as February, 1912, when they suggested to the United States and other great powers the advisability of holding to the principle of concerted action in the common interest of all parties concerned.1 The suggestion met a ready and favorable reception at the hands of those powers, including the United States, which replied under date of February 28 [27].2 In July and August following, further correspondence passed between the American and Japanese Governments on the same question.3 It was understood that at an opportune moment, the powers should, in mutual consultation, proceed to the formal recognition of the new Republic. In pursuance to that understanding, the Japanese Government have been looking forward to an early opportunity when the desired recognition could be properly and conveniently accorded, and immediately upon being satisfied that the situation in China warrants such action of the powers, they will be happy to enter into further communication with the American Government freely and frankly upon measures to be taken in common with the other Governments interested. It is confidently hoped that having regard to the history of the question in the past, and appreciating the importance of the relations of good correspondence among the powers, especially in the matter of recognition, the American Administration may find it possible to deal with the situation upon free exchange of views with the Japanese Government.
Washington , March 24, 1913.