less detached fashion about the defects and possibilities of mass action, half apologizing for the abatement in the movement of selfassertion and half-threatening recrudescence of it if occasion should arise. I believe there is still the possibility of a new movement which might be set in train by affront to their pride even by some casual accident as the situation is still explosive. 5. The recent after-developments of the situation seem to add confirmation to the belief that the whole crisis through which the Chinese Government have been passing is emotional rather than logical and that it is less concerned with substraction [abstract?] rights and obligations (which are only vaguely understood by any but the exceptionally keen minds among them who for the most part understand also the reasons for abnormal state of things in China) than with appearances and amenities of intercourse. 6. There is of course a development here which, whatever the crudities of its manifestations, is real and must be met. But it is accompanied by much plausible assumption which has no basis whatever in fact. Idealistic though term of about the [apparently garbled groups] possibilities of the Chinese people and sympathetic towards their somewhat elementary yearnings towards nationality, it is a case [sic] nevertheless incumbent upon those who deal with China today to keep in mind that in relation to the present problem China consists of two elements: first, the faction recognized as the government which is in control in Peking and which only wants money to go on with, and second, the articulate element of China's population which, most of it, holds the so-called government in contempt but is momentarily willing to array itself behind that effigy or [of] sovereignty for the sake of gaining "face" for the ethnic group which calls itself the Chinese nation as opposed to the foreigner. It behoves us therefore to be on our guard against the assumption that a concession to be [the?] government is ipso facto concession to that growing national sentiment with whose healthy development we would be disposed to sympathize. It is in fact quite possible that any concrete concession enabling the present governing faction to consolidate its power over the country would incur the active resentment of the very elements which are urging in the abstract the necessity for such concessions. I venture this observation in view of the considerable amount of American comment reprinted here which advances upon the facile assumption that the problem is to decide whether or not we are prepared to satisfy the legitimate aspirations of the Chinese people. 7. Repeated by mail to Tokyo. MACMURRAY VICTORY OF THE RADICAL WING OF THE KUOMINTANG IN CANTON 893.00/6226: Telegram The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State PEKING, May 29, 1925—1 p. m. 192. Under date of May 28, 3 p. m., American consul general, Canton, telegraphs in substance as follows: The Central Executive Committee of the Kuomintang at special meeting at Canton on May 23rd adopted resolution severing all connection with the Peking Government and that henceforth party should devote efforts towards cooperation with Soviet Government. Wide breach of conservative members Kuomintang allied with Yunnan and Kwangsi military groups on one hand and radicals including present civil administration and Cantonese troops together with Russian trained and officered volunteers. Unless civil administration resigns and peaceful means found to check Soviet influence, clash seems inevitable. Ma Soo 54 has been expelled from the party and has been in conference with representatives of militarist factions including Peking to fight Soviet influence in Canton. Ma Soo asserts Canton administration subservient to Russian Communist influences and receives regular financial support from Moscow. Civil Governor has promulgated order restricting religious instruction in foreign missionary and other schools. Situation in Canton more delicate than any time since death of Sun Yat-sen.55 MAYER 893.00/6228: Telegram The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State PEKING, June 2, 1925-11 a. m. 195. My 192, May 29, 1 p. m. Following from American consul general, Canton: "June 1, 4 p. m. Local conditions very critical. Officials continually going and coming between Canton, Hongkong and Swatow. Yunnanese entrenching near White Clouds Mountain with intention resisting General Hsu's army now reported returning from Swatow. Government has issued denial it is Communist but shows every indication determination to fight." 54 Former personal representative of Sun Yat-sen at Washington. 55 Leader of Kuomintang, who died Mar. 12, 1925. MAYER 893.00/6246 : Telegram The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State [Received June 5-9:30 a. m.] 205. Referring to my telegram [apparent omission] consul general, Canton: "June 5, 3 p. m. Referring to my telegram May 28, 3 p. m. and subsequent telegrams. General Hsu's Cantonese army now understood to be within 40 miles of Canton. Yunnanese entrenched in eastern suburbs and contact with opposing forces is expected within 36 hours. Entire civil administration established in cement works on Honan Island protected by sand bags and other barricades. Yunnan troops said to be short of ammunition and artillery. Opinion is that they will be defeated. Administration issuing series of proclamations denying it is Communist but at the same time promises numerous Socialistic reforms to laborers and peasants. Have advised Americans to leave suburbs where fighting likely to occur and many women and children have already removed to safer points. Asheville is here and Pampanga is expected tonight. Critical local situation has prevented any serious anti-British manifestations so far but we are apprehensive. Telegraph line to Hongkong is interrupted. I have warned leaders of the opposing forces that we expect American lives and property to be protected. Department is not informed." MAYER 893.00/6248: Telegram The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State PEKING, June 9, 1925-9 a. m. 212. My 205, June 6, 4 p. m. The following telegram, 29 hours in transmission, has been received from the consul general at Canton: "June 7, 5 p. m. Referring to my telegram of June 5, 3 p. m. Fighting began about 4:30 p. m. on Saturday and still continues. All Americans safe so far." MAYER 893.00/6250: Telegram The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State PEKING, June 9, 1925—6 p. m. 213. My 205, June 6, 4 p. m. Following from consul general, Canton: "June 8, 4 p. m. Referring to my telegram of June 7, 5 p. m. Firing continues with growing intensity, opposing troops firing at each other across the waterway dividing city proper from Honan Island. Gunboats loyal to the Government frequently run through this outside [sic] firing point-blank into the native city. Yunnanese continue to hold their ground but Government's forces are being strengthened by the arrival of contingents from outside though not so rapidly as was to be expected. Governor and all important officers loyal to him have gone to Whampoa. Yunnanese announce that they support Kuomintang but are against Communists. All Americans safe so far. Canton American hospital has been struck by one small shell and several rifle bullets. On Saturday afternoon after the first outburst of shooting had ceased two American launches returning to the Christian College frequently hit by rifle shots but the occupants escaped injuries. Have protested. Also warned Americans to avoid dangerous area. Upon consulate's advice most women and children have moved from Tungshan suburb and other strategic points. Pampanga now at Christian College and Asheville off Shameen." MAYER 893.00/6262: Telegram The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State PEKING, June 14, 1925—1 p. m. [Received June 14-10:48 a. m.] 223. Referring to my telegram No. 221, June 13, 6 p.m. The following has been received from the consul general, Canton: 56 "June 13, noon. Referring to my telegram of June 12, 2 p. m. Yunnanese completely routed and all in city surrendered to the Cantonese about 3 p. m., June 12th. All Americans and property reported safe but I have not yet had direct communications with the outlying missions. When the Cantonese generals entered the city they were accompanied by Russian military advisers who directed fight and to whom Cantonese victory undoubtedly due. There was some looting and beating and killing of stray Yunnanese last night but no serious disorders. According to the semiofficial Canton Gazette seamen's strike will begin in Canton and Hongkong June 15th in sympathy with the Shanghai students. This will undoubtedly become serious general strike if the Shanghai affair is not settled soon." MAYER "Not printed. 893.00/6264: Telegram The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State PEKING, June 15, 1925—10 a. m. [Received June 15-5:37 a.m.] 227. Referring to my telegram No. 223, June 14, 1 p. m. The following telegram has been received from the consul general at Canton: "June 14, 1 p. m. Referring to my telegram of June 11 [13?], noon. Hundreds of Yunnanese and other Chinese not speaking Cantonese dialect have been hunted out and beaten to death by the civilian populace while the victorious Cantonese army did little or nothing to prevent it. However, police department is beginning to function and it now seems likely that order will be restored shortly. Antiforeign agitation continues and there is considerable uneasiness in Canton and other cities. During student demonstration in Wuchow on the 8th mob yelled 'kill foreigners' and threw stones at American Baptist Hospital. Local situation seems to be dominated by Whampoa military school cadets to whom complete destruction of Yunnan army is due. However, it appears Ng Bong Ping and other conservatively inclined Cantonese leaders will have a share in the new government. I am continuing my policy of urging Americans especially women and children to leave for Hongkong and other safe places." MAYER 893.00/6420: Telegram The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State PEKING, July 22, 1925—noon. 284. Following from Canton: Central executive committee of Kuomintang has issued call for preliminary people's conference to be held in Peking after August 1st to cancel unequal treaties. It has also addressed to the Acting President, Tuan, open letter pardoning his past unfriendly actions and urging him to accept Kuomintang's advice instead of that of Chang Tso-lin. MACMURRAY 75289-40-55 |