893.00/3162
The Consul at Canton (Pontius) to the Minister in China (Reinsch)53
Sir: In continuation of my No. 128, dated June 6, 191954 (File No. 800) reporting the presentation on behalf of the diplomatic representatives in China of Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan and the United States, to the Administrative Council of the Military Government by the Senior Consul at Canton of a second aide memoire, relative to the adjournment of the Shanghai Peace Conference and expressing the hope that the conference would be re-convoked and the peace negotiations brought to a successful close, I have the honor to quote hereunder the reply of the Military Government through Dr. Wu Ting-fang to the memorandum presented:
“The Military Government cordially shares with the Allied Ministers in the hope that the Shanghai Peace Conference now unfortunately broken up may be reconvoked and negotiations brought to a successful close at the earliest possible date. The Military Government would however point out the fact that this Government has not accepted the resignations of its delegates but has instructed them to remain at Shanghai waiting for the resumption of negotiations. But the Peking Government has already accepted the resignations of its delegates who have left Shanghai so the Conference cannot at present be resumed.
[Page 358]“The object of this Government in appointing delegates is to secure permanent peace based upon democratic principles irrespective of party interests for the welfare of the nation and if the Peking Government should be really sincere in its wish for the restoration of peace and not dominated by the militarists, peace negotiations it is hoped can be brought to a successful close at an early date.”
In this connection it will be interesting to quote from an editorial in the Canton Times of to-day’s issue in connection with this particular matter as the article no doubt expresses the opinion of many educated Cantonese. The editor contends that if the memorandum can prevent the Militarists from carrying out their bellicose threats, then there may be some hope of settlement, but the south is not optimistic about it. Continuing the editor says
“The Memorandum states:—‘Since the aims of both parties have now been stated it ought to be possible without further delay to find a solution just to all and in the common interest of the country and the Chinese people.’ Just what are the aims of Peking? Are they consistent with ‘a solution just to all?’ The only aims we know of are the subjugation of the Southwest; the violation of the Provincial [Provisional] Constitution; and the abolition of the legally elected Parliament. Perhaps the Five Associated Powers see some concord between the aims of the Constitutionalists and the aims of the Militarists. We confess, we do not see the slightest possible agreement between them. It is true, the Northern Delegates and the Southern Delegates are agreed on many issues, but the Peking Government repudiated everything that was proposed by its delegates.
“The last paragraph, taken in conjunction with, and viewed in light of the ‘logic of inexorable events’ is almost farcical. The note reads ‘In making this statement the Representatives of the Powers desire to assure the Chinese people and authorities of the continued goodwill and friendly interest of their Governments and nations.’ Just consider, for a moment, that Japan happens to be one of the Five Associated Powers. The Chinese people may be gullible, but they are not going to swallow such an assurance ‘ goodwill and friendly interest,’ while one of the powers who give this assurance, has so openly manifested her ambitious designs against China, and the other Powers have rendered a decision contrary to common justice. It is rather unfortunate that a memorandum should be presented to China at this time. We consider it a diplomatic blunder. If the Powers desire to show their ‘goodwill and friendly interest’ then they should deal justly with China, restore Kiaochow and [Germany’s] Shantung interests to China; withdraw recognition and support from the traitors, and corrupt Militarists who have prospered and waxed great because of the assistance they received through foreign recognition. [They should] Show some sympathy for the cause of democracy, and help the people to realize their legitimate aspirations.”
I have [etc.]