File No. 893.001H85/3
President Hsü Shih-ch’ang to President Wilson
Please accept my very sincere thanks for your telegram of congratulations upon my assumption of the office to which I was duly elected by the Parliament of the Republic. It is my earnest desire that not only the traditional intimate friendship existing between our two countries will be maintained and strengthened but also efforts within our power will continue to be exerted towards the furtherance of the common cause in which the splendid success of the army of your country has won the admiration and respect of the world. National unity upon which the welfare of the people entirely depends is a matter demanding my first attention, and you may be assured that I will put forth my best efforts to bring about its consummation and meet the wishes of the people of the whole country that in coming councils of family of nations our country may assume its rightful place and work with your country hand in hand toward the realization of the highest ideals.