500.A4/141
The Chinese Minister (Sze) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Department’s memorandum of the 11th instant,71a which gives the text of the invitation of the President of the United States transmitted [Page 60] to the Government of the Republic of China on that date through the American Legation at Peking.
I am instructed by my Government in a cablegram dated August 16, 1921, to communicate to you the following reply:
“On the 13th instant a note was received from the American Chargé d’Affaires at Peking transmitting the invitation of the President of the United States to the Government of the Republic of China to participate in a conference to be held in Washington on the 11th day of November, 1921.
“A conference for the purpose stated meets with the hearty concurrence of the Government of the Republic of China. Since the conclusion of the War in Europe the fear is general that there may again be a recurrence of the horrors of war. Furthermore, the center of gravity in matters international has recently shifted to the Pacific and the Far East. China occupies an important place not only on account of the extent of its territory and the density of its population but also on account of its geographical position. The Pacific and Far Eastern questions as viewed by the Chinese people are questions affecting the peace of the world of the present day.
“This Conference at Washington, called by the President of the United States for the promotion of peace, cannot but contribute in a large measure to the accomplishment of results that will enable the people of the world to enjoy prosperity and happiness and obtain permanent release from the calamities of war. It is with special satisfaction that the Government of the Republic of China makes known its desire to cooperate on a footing of equality with other governments in this beneficent movement.
“The American Government by declaring that it is not its purpose to attempt to define the scope of the discussion in relation to the Pacific and Far East gives evidence of its readiness to be fair to all without any preconceived bias. The Government of the Republic of China desires to take the same position, and will participate in the Conference in the spirit of friendship and with a cordial appreciation of the importance of the elimination of the sources of controversy as stated in the American Chargé’s note and observe perfect frankness and cordiality in the exchange of views and in arriving at decisions to the end that the purpose of the President of the United States to promote universal peace may be fulfilled.”
Accept [etc.]