Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 4, 1917

File No. 893.00/2581

Minister Reinsch to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

American Legation,
Peking, June 2, 1917, 6 p.m.

The entire northern military party is now united against the President and threatens coercion. The President has met disaffection in a conciliatory spirit which has only served to give courage to his opponents. Should the military succeed in overthrowing the President, the South will undoubtedly fight and a division of China will result. There is no basis of compromise in sight although a united mediation of the powers might save the situation.

Reinsch