393.1123 Lincheng/231: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 28—9:39 a.m.]
325. Your 208, September 26, 5 p.m.13 Lunching with Koo September 21st he told me reply to Lincheng note would be sent 24th.13a I warned him of danger of making issue with the diplomatic body which he would find immovable. He said that note would not entirely satisfy either Chinese or foreigners but he had to take account of Chinese public opinion as diplomatic body also had probably been influenced by foreign opinion in making their demands. It is also true, though I do [did?] not say so, that it is harder for a weak government than for a strong one to comply even with just and moderate foreign demands. Koo intimated that dismissal of Tuchun Tien would be the greatest difficulty. I replied it was inevitable. I conjecture, if deemed advisable, thought of a solution by way of Tien’s resignation perhaps after Tien had had his face saved by Koo’s [Page 695] reply, as he observed significantly that Tien would be coming to Peking soon enough.14 I also got the impression from Koo that he was not laying down final positions but left the door open for further yielding.
At the meeting diplomatic body afternoon 27th opinion expressed was that note was conciliatory, well drafted, plausible, but not proof against effective reply. Sentiment was unanimous against modifying any part of the demands of the note of August 10th including the principle of supplementary indemnities for injuries, loss of earnings, etc., which Koo rejects. I was not clear, however, whether the best method was to send a reasonable rejoinder as this might lead to a prolonged discussion in which the Chinese Government would obscure the situation and raise endless questions. Another suggestion therefore was to reiterate our demands and make little or no argument. A third method of procedure was put forward by the German Minister, namely, to hold matters in abeyance, tell the Chinese Government we noted the reform promised in Koo’s note and would before replying thereto give them reasonable time to put these reforms into effect.
Another meeting of diplomatic body for further consideration of Koo’s reply will be held Monday forenoon October 1st. Diplomatic body as a whole will be able and seems disposed to take more active part in business than was possible in summer when matter was left pretty largely to those of us who remained in Peking.