Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, The Lansing Papers, 1914–1920, Volume II

793.94/283½

The Secretary of State to President Wilson

Washington, March 25, 1915 .

My Dear Mr. President: I have put into the form of a telegram the proposition in regard to Fukien, which you approved.¹²

You will notice that it is suggested that the arrangement be made between Japan and China, and that this arrangement be then approved by the United States. I submit this idea for your consideration. It seems to me it would be better for us to approve an arrangement between Japan and China than to have this depend entirely upon an agreement between Japan and ourselves. If Japan makes an agreement with China it prevents all other nations from securing concessions on the coast of Fukien, whereas, if it was simply an arrangement between us and Japan it would seem to be a discrimination against us by preventing us while the way would be left open to other nations.

I take it for granted that Japan does not want any other nation to establish a naval base there, and by making the arrangement with China all other nations can be excluded.

I have had in mind the following addition to the telegram, but, not having had your opinion on the subject I have not included it. If it embodies your wishes, the paragraph can be added. It is as follows:

“If the Japanese Government has any uneasiness as to the development of the interior of Fukien you might inquire whether it would not be advisable to propose that no railroad concession be granted to any foreign power, with the understanding that the Chinese Government shall, itself, build, own and operate any railroads that may be deemed necessary for the development of Fukien, such railroads, if built with borrowed money, not to be mortgaged or in any way pledged to the creditors.”

Experience has shown that foreign governments demand a sphere of influence whenever they build a railroad, and these spheres of influence are a menace to the political integrity of China. The arrangement above suggested would probably be welcomed by China as a means of protecting herself from any further complication with foreign powers.¹³

With assurances [etc.]

W. J. Bryan

12. For the telegram as sent, see Foreign Relations, 1915, p. 116.
13. On the same day President Wilson replied: “I am glad to approve both the telegram in which you follow out my suggestion and the addition to it which you here propose. Faithfully Yours, W. W.”