File No. 793.94/249.
Minister Reinsch to the Secretary of State.
Peking, March 12, 1915—7 p.m.
Liberal concessions by Chinese of ninety-nine year extension both of South Manchuria and Antung-Mukden lines appear to have made situation slightly easier. Yesterday Baron Kato told Chinese Minister at Tokyo that he was gratified at the spirit manifested in dealing with Manchurian railway questions but at the same time he asserted could not withdraw the demands in Group V; and at the meeting here Tuesday the Japanese Minister told the Minister for Foreign Affairs that he must reckon on the fact that the Japanese fleet has already sailed under sealed orders, its destination and purposes being known only to the authorities at Tokyo. Yesterday Group II was further discussed. Chinese will grant one year period to Japanese for prospecting and locating mines in Manchuria; in return for inclusion of police advisers in Article 6, Japanese will waive Article 3, Group V; Chinese will33 Article 5, Group II.
- Apparent omission.↩