Office of the Historian

893.01 Manchuria/1027

The Chinese Chargé (Yung Kwai) to the Secretary of State

Washington, March 6, 1934.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I am instructed by my Government to deliver to your an official translation of a statement issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at Nanking on Pu Yi’s enthronement, which is herewith enclosed.

Accept [etc.]

Yung Kwai
[Enclosure]

Official Translation of a Statement Issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at Nanking Dated March 5, 1934

The assumption of imperial title by Pu Yi another act of high treason against the Chinese Republic has long been heralded and is arousing nation-wide indignation in this country.

However as we look at the situation the status of the Three Eastern Provinces and Jehol is no other than that of illegal military occupation while Pu Yi and other members of his theatrical troupe are mere puppets controlled by their masters and have no independent personality. Whether Pu Yi’s name be “Chief Executive” or “Emperor” [Page 62] or whether his illegal regime be “republican” or “monarchial” does not affect in the least the inherent nature of the puppet the changes being mere shifts in the role the puppet plays. Looking from this angle one need not be greatly surprised at all at the farcical comedy that is being enacted in Changchun.

China’s attitude towards the puppet regime has always been the same and shall remain so notwithstanding any change in the appearance of the puppet. The same may be said of European and American powers with whom the principle of non-recognition of “Manchukuo” has become an ironclad law of international morality any deviation from or violation of which will surely reflect on the international personality of the State concerned.

By this latest act in Changchun the gravity of the Far Eastern problem will undoubtedly be further heightened while international rivalries and complications in the Far East will be further increased all pointing to one condition namely increasing insecurity in world peace. This is most deplorable but the world will know where the responsibility lies.