File No. 763.72/1023
The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 1, 6.30 p m.]
[Telegram]
As the result of a long Cabinet meeting to-day Liang Tun Yen informs me that the Chinese Government, while accepting in good, faith the assurances of Japan and not intending to offer any opposition to her operations, is deeply concerned over the proposed military occupation of the Shantung Railway west of Weihsien fearing that such penetration into the interior away from the seat of war will almost inevitably lead to incidents beyond its control threatening to force China into hostilities. President Yuan will, therefore, through Minister Shah ask President Wilson to confer with the British Government as to the possibility of prevailing upon. Japan to restrict her action to the necessary field of belligerent operations. The seriousness of the situation is generally felt here.