793.94/1227: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:10 p.m.]
423. Your 303, November 25, 7 p.m., received today. Immediately arranged for afternoon conference Minister for Foreign Affairs. I earnestly presented matter as instructed dwelling on the gravity of [Page 936] the situation and pointed to only way out suggested by you and Mr. Balfour as impartial friendly observers with no interest except desiring heartily assist in bringing about equitable and durable readjustment of the question.
Minister for Foreign Affairs said he was very solicitous that you and Mr. Balfour should recognize the desire of the Chinese Government to be reasonable and conciliatory and also sincerely anxious to make Conference successful. Chinese Government desired to see Shantung matter disposed of but could not defy united sentiment of Chinese people although the Government had warned people not to expect too much. He hinted at possibility of Government inducing people to accept something short of absolute demands hitherto made.
With regard to continuance of Chinese-Japanese discussions direct to [collaterally with?] the Conference, Minister for Foreign Affairs said Chinese Government would not oppose and would authorize if they could be initiated without sacrificing Chinese self-respect and dignity. As China had made last communication it was now for Japan to take the initiative. China could not do anything without that start. Twice he remarked “there must be an occasion”.
I pointed out that you and Mr. Balfour were ready to use your good offices in any way acceptable to both parties, and I asked frankly what specifically he would like you to do. He replied that as the Chinese and Japanese Governments had taken different positions and the former had made the last communication, if Japan now indicated that she would make some concession an occasion for resuming discussion would be furnished. His idea was that Japan might make such an intimation through you and Mr. Balfour. I said the suggestion did not seem to me impracticable and I would cable it at once adding that the opportunity was too great, the issues too momentous to foreclose any possibility of renewing discussions. Minister of Foreign Affairs attaches much importance to understanding that any solution arrived at between the two countries should be communicated and duly noted by the Conference and he observed, however, it was possible no agreement would be reached. My personal opinion is that the Chinese Government is willing to resume discussion with the Japanese Government and that if a discussion is entered upon some compromise would not be impossible, but I think that the Chinese Government would sacrifice prospect of settlement rather than lose face by now seeming to ask for it. If this formal difficulty can be overcome it will be possible to have discussions resumed. I think settlement more likely to be reached in Washington than anywhere else.