893.00/5778: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18—2:55 p.m.]
448. My November 12, 4 p.m. Following on general situation:
- 1.
- Political situation still obscure. Unofficial reports that Chang, Feng and followers have appealed by circular telegram to provinces to support Tuan Chi-jui as “Provisional Chief Executive of the Chinese Republic”, a new Chinese term which suggests dictatorship. They apparently await replies before announcing Tuan Chi-jui’s assumption of power under this title.
- 2.
- Following just received from American consul general Hankow:
“General Wu arrived [garbled groups] this afternoon in advancing [in advance of?] his troops numbering 6,000 who will reach here tomorrow. General Hsiao called on Wu today. The Commissioner of Foreign Affairs handed me a pronouncement furnished him by Wu and signed by the high military authorities of the Yangtze-Kiang River and Yellow River provinces announcing the formation of a military government as an emergency measure to [Page 396] uphold the constitution. The agreement contains 10 articles summarized as follows:
(1) A military government for the protection of the constitution is formed; (2) the seat of the government is Wuchang; (3) the military government shall represent China in domestic and foreign affairs; (4) the military government shall be administered by the high commanders of the provincial armies and navies; (5) all state affairs shall be administered by a council presided over by a president and a vice president to be elected by the high commanders from among themselves; (6) high commanders unable to attend the council meeting may appoint representatives; (7) the military government shall consist of five ministries, namely: foreign affairs, finance, home affairs, war and communication; (8) the military government shall be dissolved when the constitution becomes operative again; (9) necessary alterations in the articles may be made by the council; (10) the above articles shall become operative upon the day of promulgation.
The above was signed, sealed and presented to the president on the 17th instant by 20 high military officials of the provinces concerned. The commissioners inform me that Tuan was invited to come to Wuchang to head the military government. Though the commissioner is a strong partisan of Wu, I believe this information is reliable.”
- 3.
- As yet impossible to estimate effect of the announcement. Tuan Chi-jui has consistently said he would not assume leadership without complete approval of provincial leaders. Therefore this action by Yangtze tuchuns may prevent assumption of power by Tuan leaving situation at Tientsin in the air with a choice by Chang between returning to Manchuria or taking control himself at Peking. Reports from well-informed sources have indicated a certain impatience on Chang’s part because of Tuan’s hesitation in coming to Peking and taking charge of affairs.
- 4.
- Under date of November 15th American consul general Tientsin reports conversation with Marshal Chang and one of his close advisers of which following is brief summary of impressions gained by Gauss from conversations: Tuan and Chang dissatisfied with attitude C. T. Wang and Huang Fu and with their Soviet-Japanese exchanges. Their early eliminations from political scene probable. Chang intends more or less to disregard Sun Yat-sen as well as Feng Yu-hsiang. Chang believes there must be a rectification of Yangtze Valley situation by force, if necessary, in order to eliminate Marshal Ch’i, Sun Chuan-fang and Hsiao Yao-nan. Tuan Chi-jui would lend his influence toward peaceful handling of Yangtze situation, avoiding further resort to arms, if possible. Gauss further states Marshal Chang remarked he would come to Peking in few days; that Chang extremely cordial and invited Gauss to accompany him Peking. This Gauss declined with proper expressions of regret, in which decision I, of course, concurred.
- 5.
- Sun Yat-sen arrived Shanghai November 17th but not known if
and when he will come north. On landing, Sun is reported by
American consul general Shanghai to have made following typical
statement:
“Understand my arrival causing some agitation. Would like to say to the foreigners Shanghai is China and the Chinese are the hosts, the foreigners guests. We shall have to take drastic measures if this is not realized. The Chinese are determined that the concessions must be returned.”
- 6.
- Repeated to Tokyo.