File No. 793.94/494.
The Japanese Foreign Office to the Japanese Ambassador.45
The reply the Chinese Government made on May 146 to the amended proposals which the Imperial Government had recently [Page 142] addressed to the former was unsatisfactory and extremely disappointing, even containing, among other things, certain points wherein attempt is made to upset what has already been settled and to formulate fresh provisions prejudicial to our interests. In point of fact, the amended proposals, formulated and presented in a most conciliatory and accommodating spirit, have resulted, quite contrary to expectation, in a retrogression of the situation. Were the present contentions of the Chinese Government to be acceded to in their entirety, the original object of our nations with China would, in effect, be set at naught. Nevertheless Chinese authorities unequivocally declared that their present counter-proposals are final and that there is no room left for any modification whatever.
Later, on May 5, the Chinese Government sent an official of the Foreign Office to our Minister at Peking, and intimated unofficially that they will withdraw the last reply and will continue conference under an understanding that China, on her part, would accord further consideration to our last amended proposals. But what was stated on that occasion was, as hitherto, vague and indefinite, only manifesting an idle attempt at further procrastination and revealing more than ever the lack of sincerity.
Although it has been deemed that there is left scarcely any room for further continuation of the negotiations in the circumstances, the Imperial Government have, nevertheless, decided to address a fresh communication to the Chinese Government, and to request a reconsideration of their position. This decision is based solely on a sincere desire on the part of the Imperial Government to spare no pains in bringing the negotiations to an amicable conclusion, and thereby to avert complication of the situation.
The Imperial Government entertain an earnest hope that China, mindful of importance to preserve peace in the Far East and sensible of the broader aspect of the situation, will find her way, upon reflection, to accept, within the time limit set, the proposals as finally modified. In the untoward eventuality, however, of receiving no satisfactory answer from the Chinese Government before the time limit expires, the Imperial Government would be left no course but to resort, however much against their inclination, to a measure they consider necessary for maintaining and safeguarding Japan’s position in the Far East.
The Imperial Government hope that the Government to which you are accredited will fully appreciate the situation as above set forth.
[Page 143]