File No. 793.94/274.
Minister Reinsch to the Secretary of State.
Peking, March 30, 1915—5 p.m.
In view of the exaggerated and distorted reports being circulated as to boycott of Japanese goods, I have the honor to report that both the Chinese Government and the local authorities throughout the country are taking severe measures to repress agitation to that end. Popular feeling in consequence of the demands is nevertheless so intense and bitter that many dealers are withholding or canceling orders for goods and refusing to accept payment in Japanese bank notes. Consul General at Shanghai reports that Japanese Consul General states that he feels every possible aid is being rendered by the municipal and Chinese authorities to suppress boycott movement but that trade is being seriously interfered with and the freight offered to Japanese vessels has diminished fifty per cent. Consul General at Mukden reports that in order to avoid any possibility of [Page 118] untoward incidents the Chinese soldiers are being kept in their barracks. The Chinese police are taking extraordinary repressive precautions including explicit orders to all people to avoid giving offense to the Japanese and to continue business relations with them.