File No. 793.94/341.
Minister Reinsch to the Secretary of State.
Peking, May 9, 1915—1 a.m.
As your May 6 was delayed in transmission I had been already informed at the time of receiving it that the Chinese Government, recognizing its inability to resist the military forces of Japan, would accede to the ultimatum.
A meeting of the Cabinet and Council of State lasting several hours today formally adopted this decision and an answer to that effect was delivered to Japanese Legation tonight. This was indeed the only alternative possible, for, although the Chinese Government feels that its rights have been cruelly overridden, its military un-preparedness made it necessary to yield to threats of Japan.
The Japanese have in the ultimatum given the objectionable demands in the fifth group the status of unfinished business to be negotiated later. It is especially significant that the Japanese refused to accept the first draft of the Chinese answer which was delivered to them at eight o’clock this evening and which contained a formula indicating that the pending questions have been disposed of; the Japanese insisted that the future negotiations of the demands in Group V should be specifically promised. The Chinese then gave a categorical assent to the ultimatum. This shows that it is by no means Japan’s intention to give up the demands of Group V and that an early resumption of pressure on these demands may be expected.
As the Chinese military leaders themselves recognize the necessity of submitting to the Japanese and are supporting the President in his painful act it is probable that no organized movement against the Government will occur although popular feeling is likely to run high when the extent of the concessions becomes known.