882
(1437
Enclogure in lir. Jamieson's No.04 of September 23rd, 1910.
Copy.
589
Translation of despatch from Commissioner for Foreign Affairs to H. M. Consul-General, September 21st, 1918.
Sir:-
I have received instructions from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Military Government to communicate the following to you:-
"It is clearly laid down in the Republican Consti- tution and it is the universal rule in all the republics of the world that the President's election is only legally effective when carried out by the Parliament properly constituted in accordance with the constitution.
Now the actions of the Peking Administration are all dictated by private ends. Thus they dismissed the properly constituted Parliament and for their own pur- poses have formed an organisation and have summoned
supporters to form a socalled Parliament. How then can
they represent popular opinion? As Boon as this Parliament was formed, the Military Government tele- graphically refused to recognise it. Of late they are again giving and taking office for private ends and have taken upon themselves to elect a President. When the constitution is violated thus, how can the country be governed? Were the constitutional provinces now to afford recognition, would not their exertions during the past year be wasted?
In support of constitutionalism the Administrative
Council of the Military Government has met and decided under no circumstances to recognise the illegally elec- ted President.
The Commissioner for Foreign Affairs is hereby or- dered to communicate the above to all the foreign
Consul8/