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This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)__
[B]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[33113]
No. 1.
37403 235 [October 5.]
ver
AZ V
SECTION 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.~(Received October 5.)
(No. 406. Confidential.) Sir,
Peking, August 21, 1907. NO feature of the political situation in China is more noticeable at the present time than the nervous apprehension of the Manchus for their personal safety, and for the security of the dynasty. Everywhere throughout the country the Manchu officials are living closely guarded in their Yamêns, and here in Peking the existence of the anti-dynastic movement is recognized with a frankness which would have been regarded as little short of treason in former days. Officials of high standing do not hesitate to express in private conversation with foreigners their grave concern at the future outlook. The Empress-Dowager, it is generally admitted, has largely lost her former grasp and command of affairs, with the result that there is a multitude of counsels, but no direction in the Government of the Empire. This weakening of the central authority is coincident with revolutionary activity in the provinces, and with a general demand for some form of constitutional Government. The only response which the Government here makes to the agitation in the country is the issue of Decrees which merely reveal its own indecision, and are not taken seriously by the people.
As a specimen of these Imperial utterances, I have the honour to inclose copy in translation of a recent Decree, which begins by reciting as a fact that for over two centuries there has been no distinction between Manchus and Chinese, and ends by inviting suggestions for the removal of the differences that exist between the
two races.
his
The transfer of the Viceroy, Yuan-Shih-Kai, to Peking is the measure which is most generally advocated, by even the Manchus themselves, to save the situation. The Viceroy is understood to be very averse from the change, and it is doubtful whether presence here would have the desired effect. Peking, as Tang Shao-yi's experience showed, is not a congenial atmosphere for a man of strong views, and Yuan-Shib-Kai would probably soon find that an ex-Viceroy pitted against Manchu Princes aud eunuchs had little chance of doing much good.
I have, &c. (Signed) J. N. JORDAN.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Imperial Decree.
(Translation.)
August 10, 1907. THE foundations of our dynasty rest upon the principles of humanity. For more than two hundred years there has been no distinction made between Manchus aud Chinese. Of recent years appointments to official ranks of all grades, even to the ranks of Tartar-General and Manchu Lieutenant-Governor have been made irrespective of Chinese or Manchu nationality, and the officers selected for their capabilities only. The Court has acted with even-handed impartiality, and expects the confidence of the Empire at large. This is a time of crisis, and all our subjects, whether officials or people, ought to be using their utmost endeavours to keep on the look-out for danger, and working with united hearts for the national safety. How can they continue to adhere to stubborn opinions and engage in mutual recriminations, instead of being animated by a spirit of unison in their efforts to preserve unbroken harmony?
Now, in order to secure that complete dissolving of all differences between Manchu and Chinese, which it is required should be effected, we hereby order all Government Departments, metropolitan or provincial, to express their opinions and agree upon some thoroughly practical measure which they should embody in a Memorial in order that it may be put into force at once.
Respect this.
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