893.00/5032: Telegram
The Minister in China ( Schurman ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 9—9:30 a.m.]
208. My 203, June 7, 3 p.m. Peking police quit at 6 o’clock this morning. Members of my staff civil and military have been going [Page 509] about ever since and report everything quiet and shops open. General Munthe’s Legation Quarter force of four companies remain on duty. It is not believed that the police struck for pay as they received a few days ago 50 percent of their over-due wages.
I am informed by trustworthy gentleman who called on me at 7 o’clock this morning and who had already seen the President that Minister of Interior, who controls the police, Minister of Marine and Minister of Justice have directed the action of the police for the purpose and in the expectation of compelling the President to abandon his office, thus preparing the way for Tsao Kun; that General Feng Yu-hsiang is cooperating with them (he had already shown himself a supporter of Tsao Kun) but that certain members of Chamber of Commerce and educational associations and of the gentry are endeavoring to induce General Wang Huai-ching to march his troops from near the summer palace into the city; and that the issue depends on whether Feng or Wang arrives here first. My informant, who is friendly to President, reports that President declares he will not leave city till his successor is elected and, while he cannot in the absence of police go to Presidential offices, he will remain in his own house where he has hitherto lived and whither, at an early hour this morning, he caused the Presidential seal to be brought.
President spent yesterday in conference with the result as reported that Yen or Koo was to have been named Premier, though with no solution of financial difficulty.
I will promptly telegraph any new developments. Although no danger to foreigners is apprehended, I am watching the situation closely and already had a consultation with military members of my staff between 7 and 8 o’clock this morning.