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

File No. 893.00/2586

The Secretary of State to Ambassador Page

[Telegram]

Department of State,
Washington, June 7, 1917, 5 p.m.

4946. Your 6368, June 5, 10 p.m. This Government appreciates importance of China’s entrance into the war, but China torn by civil strife would be unable to render assistance of any sort. The present revolt seems to threaten the overthrow of the Republic. To make entrance into the war an excuse for overturning the Republic would be most regrettable and inconsistent with pleas for democracy. It seems urgently necessary to do all possible to reconcile factions.

Lansing