File No. 893.811/262
Minister Reinsch to the Secretary of State
Peking , June 26, 1917, 3 p.m .
The question has arisen whether or not final signature, by authority of the President and Cabinet, of the Grand Canal agreement on the basis of preliminary contract of April, 1916, but with important changes, would be considered valid in the absence of parliamentary ratification. Japanese Minister holds that requirement of parliamentary ratification is a domestic matter which will not affect the valid foreign contracts signed by proper Cabinet Ministers. I am inclined to doubt this but in view of the time when the contract originated I query whether a formal declaration by the President and Cabinet to the effect that parliamentary ratification is not in this case necessary could be accepted; this in case a long interval without a Parliament should appear likely. Your instructions are requested.