Officer in command of Feng forces on that front, General Connor was informed, direct[ed] that the international train return to Tientsin and [warned?] that he would open fire if the train did not retire at once. Infantry and an armored train belonging to Feng's forces were put in position to resist an advance by the international train; its commander's request for time to report to senior commandant at Tientsin by radio was refused. Train returned to Tientsin at 6 p. m. 2. Senior minister this morning conveyed these facts to Feng's local diplomatic representative with whom this Legation has been in negotiation concerning arrangements for running of the international train back to Tientsin from Peking. He surmised Feng's commander on Tangku front had not yet received instructions as to Feng's approval of arrangement for operation of the international train (see below) but promised to telegraph immediately to Feng urging that this commanding officer be sent prompt orders. Senior minister likewise has addressed a note to the Chinese Government which after reciting the facts states as follows: "I have to invite Your Excellency's attention to the above-stated facts which constitute a very grave violation of article 9 of the protocol of 1901 and to ask that immediate instructions be issued to permit the passage of the international trains which it is proposed to send from Tientsin to Shanhaikuan in the near future." 43 4. My 532, December 17, 6[3] p. m., last sentence. After much negotiation covering a week's time arrangements for operation of international trains have been approved by Feng, these arrangements meanwhile having been agreed to by Li Ching-lin. They comprise provision for identification, prohibition of close pursuit of international train by Chinese trains, and other provisions quite properly desired by contending forces for their protection. The return of train from Peking to Tientsin scheduled for this morning is again delayed owing to destruction of 22,000 meters of track and part of a bridge. Repeated to Tokyo. 43 Post, p. 889. MACMURRAY 893.00/6873: Telegram The Consul at Chefoo (Putnam) to the Secretary of State CHEFOO, December 24, 1925-2 p. m. [Received December 24-6: 33 a. m.] The following telegram has been received for transmission from the consul general at Tientsin: "December 24, noon. Li Ching-lin forces are retreating from Tientsin after stubborn resistance during a 2 days' attack. Much confusion and disorder as well as some looting in the native city but the foreign residential areas have not been disturbed. Feng's troops are now entering the city." PUTNAM 893.00/6875: Telegram The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State PEKING, December 24, 1925-5 p. m. [Received December 24-10: 39 a. m.] 544. My telegram number 542, December 23, 10 p. m. 1. Meeting of interested ministers this morning; agreed to send the following identic telegram to their respective Governments. "In spite of the assurances given by the commandants of the forces several attempts to restore the operations of the international train between Peking and Tientsin on the one hand and Tientsin and Shanhaikwan on the other were unsuccessful, the train from Shanhaikwan having had to return in face of the danger of being fired on. The interested representatives, believing that this apparently deliberate violation of the protocol may be utilized in a campaign for the abolition of existing treaties, think it desirable, independently of the protestations already made, to affirm the necessity of effectually maintaining free communications with the sea. The use of force may be necessary and it being likely to lead to complications which it would be preferable to avoid, they request instructions of their respective Governments." 2. Senior minister was also requested to telegraph senior commandant of international forces at Tientsin that ministers think it at present inadvisable to renew attempt to run international train to Shanhaikwan unless in the judgment of the commandants that may be done safely and without incurring attack. 3. Since the meeting the senior minister has received word from the local representative of Marshal Feng that the latter has already telegraphed instructions to the division commander concerned that the international train must be allowed to pass without let or hindrance. 4. It now appears that Feng forces have today occupied Tientsin. 5. Arrangements have been made by which international Peking train now here should be able to go through to Tientsin immediately upon completion of necessary repairs to the line. MACMURRAY 893.00/6876: Telegram The Consul at Mukden (Sokobin) to the Secretary of State MUKDEN, December 24, 1925—5 p. m. [Received 8:42 p. m.] It is reported that Marshal Chang has completely defeated Kuo." Most of the forces of Kuo have surrendered. Kuo fled. 893.00/6875: Telegram SOKOBIN The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray) [Paraphrase] WASHINGTON, December 24, 1925—6 p. m. 347. Legation's Number 544 of December 24, 5 p. m., including identic telegram. Unless lives of American citizens are actually in danger, the Department would disapprove of the use of force; and from statement in fifth paragraph of your telegram it is assumed that the necessity to use force, which was apparent when the identic telegram was drawn up, no longer exists. GREW 893.00/6878: Telegram The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State PEKING, December 25, 1925-6 p. m. [Received December 25-12:57 p. m.] 545. My 544, December 24, 5 p. m. International train has arrived at Tientsin from Peking. Commercial service resumed with depleted equipment. MACMURRAY "Kuo Sung-ling, commander of Manchurian forces attempting to overthrow Chang Tso-lin. 893.00/6886: Telegram The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State PEKING, December 28, 1925-8 p. m. 549. Legation's telegram 455 [456], November 25, 5 p. m. 1924.* 448 2. Dated December 26th, Tuan yesterday issued three important mandates as follows: 1st, Tuan admits that he has failed to carry out his plans for political reforms and the peaceful unification of the country, and he therefore ordains the adding of a responsible cabinet to the system of the Provisional Government, and he intimates that he will not oppose the cabinet's measures; 2d, the system of the Provisional Government is so modified as to abolish supreme control by the Chief Executive and vest it in the latter, the Premier, and cabinet members jointly; 3d, Hsu Shih-ying is appointed Premier (see last issue of the China Year Book). This appointment is understood to meet with the approval of Feng Yü-hsiang and Kuomintang as well as of Tuan and the latter's political associates. On December 25th mandates appointed Sun Yüeh, commander of the Third Army of the Kuominchun, as Military and Civil Governor of Chihli in place of Li Ching-lin. MACMURRAY DECISION BY THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER POWERS TO ACCREDIT MINISTERS TO THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CHINA" 123 M 221/117a: Telegram The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Schurman) [Paraphrase] WASHINGTON, April 6, 1925—11 a. m. 69. President Coolidge wishes to appoint Mr. John V. A. MacMurray, Assistant Secretary of State, to succeed you as Minister in China. For MacMurray's previous record, see the Register of the Department of State. Report by telegram whether the Chinese Government will consider this appointment acceptable. 44 Foreign Relations, 1924, vol. 1, p. 399. KELLOGG "For previous correspondence concerning relations with the Provisional Government, see ibid., pp. 416 ff. 123 M 221/118: Telegram The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State [Paraphrase] PEKING, April 9, 1925-4 p. m. 146. Legation's telegram 142 of April 7, 3 p. m.46 I have just been informed by Minister for Foreign Affairs that MacMurray's appointment as our Minister in China will be satisfactory to the Chinese Government which will heartily welcome him. At the same time the Minister for Foreign Affairs requested that our new Minister be ready to present his credentials to Tuan Chi-jui. I have been informed that the Belgian and French Ministers have not presented their credentials as yet. I am seeking interviews with them to find out just what the facts are. As soon as possible I will telegraph further on this subject. SCHURMAN 123 M 221/120: Telegram The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State [Paraphrase] PEKING, April 10, 1925—3 p. m. 150. My telegram 146 of April 9, 4 p. m. I have interviewed my French and Belgian colleagues. I learn that they were also urged to present their credentials, which they declined to do, the French Minister saying that his credentials had not come and the Belgian Minister stating that his were addressed to former President Tsao Kun. Their real reason was that Tuan's government is only de facto and that it would constitute de jure recognition should they present their credentials. They expect that when the time comes for de jure recognition, if it does, the powers will confer and act together. The French and Belgian Ministers sent copies of their credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for his information. SCHURMAN 46 |