File No. 763.72/4861

Minister Reinsch to the Secretary of State

[Telegrams]

My telegram of May 11, 7 p.m. The President and Parliament have held out strongly against the Premier. All but one Minister resigned last week. The military conference adjourned Monday. Today the President issued a mandate relieving the Prime Minister, appointing Wu Ting-fang acting Premier. General Wang, Chief of Staff, has assumed responsibility for the local military and police. All depends on what sort of men the President will select and be able to secure for the Cabinet. After this shall have been settled the decision in favor of war is likely. Meanwhile local disturbances are possible.

Reinsch