File No. 893.00/2701
The Japanese Embassy to the Department of State
[Memorandum handed to the Secretary of State by the Japanese Ambassador, September 4, 1917]
The internal situation in China has not failed to engage the serious attention of the Japanese Government. While it does not seem at this moment to justify absolute assurance of the maintenance of general peace and security in that country, it has evidently shown a steady improvement since the downfall of General Chang Hsun in his abortive attempt at the restoration of monarchy. The Ministry formed under the presidency of General Tuan Chi-jui, with the cooperation of the leaders of the Progressionists, did not in its earlier stages evince a sufficient degree of stability. Everything seemed to depend upon the attitude of General Feng Ko-chang, Vice President of the Chinese Republic. His arrival at Peking and the definitive resignation of President Li Yuan-hung have cleared the situation. According to the intelligence which reached the Japanese Government, the new President and the Prime Minister of China are apparently persuaded of the importance which their loyal and sincere collaboration has for the good of the country. The fact of the declaration of war on Germany and Austria-Hungary may be taken as a proof of the harmonious accord existing between these two statesmen. At the present moment when all nations at war with Germany are confronted with such grave responsibilities, when China has just ranged herself on their side, nothing would be more prejudicial to their interests as well as to the interests of China than the continuance of domestic troubles consequent upon the absence of a strong and capable authority in Peking. Without anticipating the course of events, the Japanese Government are of the opinion that, under the existing condition of affairs in China, the present Government at Peking enjoy an authority sufficiently strong and capable for the maintenance of order and tranquility in that country. The Japanese Government have no intention of showing, nor have they any reason to show, any preference for either of the political factions in China. They are, however, convinced that all the foreign Powers ought in their common interest to lend their sincere and effective support to that government which represents the sole legal authority in China at present and that it is of the utmost importance for them to withhold any encouragement or material assistance to individuals or associations seeking to overthrow the Government at Peking. The Japanese Government confidently hope that the United States Government will share the views above indicated.