The Anglo-American Association includes all prominent American and
British citizens in Peking. The members of the two Legations were
not present when this resolution was passed.
[Enclosure]
Resolution Passed by the Anglo-American
Association of Peking, June 6, 1919
While recognizing that a supreme attempt is being made to set up
a new international order, in which secret treaties, political
aggression, and the settlement of international disputes by war
shall have no place; and appreciating that these lofty aims can
only be achieved by overcoming difficulties, of which we in
China have not a full knowledge; this Association learns with
the keenest disappointment, and deepest sympathy with the
Chinese people, the decision of the Peace Conference to transfer
to Japan the former German rights in Shantung.
We express our solemn conviction that this decision will create
conditions that must, inevitably, bring about extreme discord
between the Chinese people and Japan, and raise a most serious
hindrance to the development of the economic interests of China
and other countries. A settlement, which perpetuates the
conditions created by Germany’s aggression in Shantung in
1898—conditions that led to similar action on the part of other
states, that were contributing causes to the disorders in North
China in 1900, and that made inevitable the Russo-Japanese
war—cannot make for peace in the Far East, for political
stability in China itself, nor for development of trade and
commerce equally open to all.
Further, the evil consequences of conditions which are not only
subversive of the principle of national self-determination, but
also a denial of the policy of the open door, and of the
principle of equality of opportunity, will be greatly
accentuated, if Japan, a near neighbour, be now substituted for
Germany, whose centre of political and economic activities was
on the other side of the globe.
Therefore, we, the members, of the Peking Anglo-American
Association, resolve that representations be made to the British
and American Governments, urging that the States taking part in
the Peace Conference devise and carry through a just settlement,
which will not endanger the safety of China and the peace of the
world.
