793.94/830: Telegram
The Minister in China (Reinsch) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 1.24 p.m.]
The anti-Japanese popular movement consequent upon the Shantung decision, is largely due [sic] Japanese goods boycotted throughout nearly all of China. Violence used against Japanese at Canton. Large students and merchants organizations formed in Yangtze Valley and in North China. Students have left the schools and are appealing to the public. In Peking gendarmes used forcible measures arresting several hundred. Movement directed partly against Japanese, partly against pro-Japanese clique called country selling traitors. Japanese owned press making vain attempts by libel to excite sentiment against Americans, particularly missionaries. I was informed by a high official that Japanese Minister and pro-Japanese clique are planning to give prominence to alleged British attempt to control Tibet, thus diverting attention. Whether the movement remains anti-Japanese or becomes anti-foreign, it is capable of producing great harm. The general opinion here is that should Germany refuse to sign the treaty and forcible measures become necessary against her [involving?] the powers in further difficulties in Europe, Japan will undoubtedly use the opportunity by encouraging the Northern military party “to establish order,” offering them financial and other assistance and alleging necessity for such action in attacks upon Japanese. This would greatly advance Japanese plans for domination in Asia.