File No. 893.00/2948
The Minister in China ( Reinsch) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honor to enclose the following despatches dealing with the progress of reconciliation in China.1 …
The effects of the joint démarche of the five powers have been good in as far as predisposing the Northern military party to give President Hsü Shih-ch’ang an opportunity to carry out his conciliation policy. A peace delegation of ten members has been appointed by the Government, which is now proceeding to Nanking. The Southern authorities have not as yet appointed their delegation although it is generally understood that Mr. Tong Shao-yi will act as chief delegate, that position having been offered him by the Military Government. The South is raising difficulties on two points: (a) the place of meeting, which they desire to be at Shanghai rather than at Nanking (the place suggested by the Chinese Government and favored by Governor Li Shun, who [h] as hitherto acted as chief mediator); (b) the South claims that Northern military movements in Shensi and Fukien Provinces are contrary to the armistice; whereas the Chinese Government charges with some justice that actual advances have been attempted and made in these provinces by military leaders connected with the South in charge either of regular troops or of irregular contingents, qualified as bandits.
Reports are now being awaited from the Northern delegation, which is under the chairmanship of Mr. Chu Ch’i-ch’ien, ex-Minister of the Interior. Although there are many obstacles to peace and although the militarists on both sides, notwithstanding public declarations made, seem still to be receiving financial assistance from outside sources, yet the general feeling is that a compromise will be effected at an early date.
I have [etc.]
- Not printed.↩