File No. 763.72/6173
Minister Reinsch to the Secretary of State
Peking, August 3, 1917, 2 a.m.
My telegram of July 15, 8 p.m. The Prime Minister has just informed me that the Cabinet has come to a decision to declare war against Germany and that acting President Feng has been formally notified of this step and approves of it. Before the decision is carried out various preparations [and?] arrangements remain to be completed.
The adoption of this policy is prompted by a desire to strengthen China internationally, as well as particularly [protect?] the present Government against internal opposition which would probably, after the declaration of war, be treated as treasonable negligence. It is probable that parliamentary radicals of the South will resist the declaration. While they may appeal to general theory, and while the party in power is strongly militarist, yet specifically the case for the defunct parliament seems weak inasmuch as it was dissolved by the same authority that had reinstituted it in 1916 and a general national demand for its reinstitution is lacking. However, it is to be hoped that professions in favor of representative institutions made by the present Government will be lived up to.
General Feng upon his arrival yesterday formally requested Li to resume the presidency. The latter declined. Feng therefore remains Acting President for the unexpired term. The present administration represents strong elements of political, military, financial organization; political antagonisms of Tuan against Feng, Chin Pu Tang against [apparent omission], may be alleviated by war action. But whether national union can be completely upheld against the opposition of certain provinces inclined to espouse the cause of Parliament is doubtful though the Government seems to rely on war power and Allied support to accomplish this.
The Japanese have advanced yen 10,000,000 for urgent needs of the Government; participation will be offered other members of Consortium.
Please instruct whether you desire me to participate in conferences of Allied representatives concerning any action affecting the war. * * *