CO129-360 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 403

[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]

401

C.O.

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[January 28.]

RECE SECTION

¡RecE 18 FEB 09

5944

[3621]

(No. 16.) Sir,

No. 1.

Mr. Bryce to Sir Edward Grey,-(Recewed January 28.)

Washington, January 18, 1909. I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith a copy of a Report which the Government of the United States has received from its Minister at Peking of the interview held by him with Prince Ch'ing on the 15th instant, concurrently with an interview which took place at the same time between Sir John Jordan and Prince Ch'ing. This Report has been transmitted to me, confidentially, by the United States' Secretary of State. As you have already received from Sir John Jordan an account of his interview, it does not seem necessary to cable Mr. Rockhill's, which is substantially to the same effect though less full.

I take this opportunity of informing you that in a conversation which 1 had with the Japanese Ambassador at his own house (where I was dining) he assured me that there was no truth whatever in the story which has appeared in the press here that Japan had encouraged or been in any way a party to the dismissal of Yuan. He said that it was rumoured in Peking that Yuan had fallen from favour because the Regent thought that he had not behaved well to the late Emperor. From the way he spoke, I rather gathered that the Japanese view of Yuan was not a very friendly one, anxious as he was to disclaim for his Government any share in the intrigues which had brought about Yuan's fall. It would appear that Yuan had been in contact with the Japanese in Corea long ago, and they may have there come to look upon him as an opponent.

I bave, &c.

(Signed) JAMES BRYCE.

Inclosure in No. 1.

Report, by Cable, from Mr. Rockhill, January 15, 1909.

ON the afternoon of the 15th instant Mr. Rockhill and Sir John Jordan called upon Prince Ching by appointment.

Mr. Rockhill made representations along the lines authorized by Secretary Root, and expressed the gratification of the Government of the United States would feel to learn that the dismissal of Yuan-Shi-Kai did not indicate any change in policy. Prince Ching replied that the Government under the new Regent would strictly adhere to the progressive policy instituted during the preceding reign. This was pledged in positive

terms.

Concerning the dismissal of Yuan-Shi-Kai, the Prince stated that it was not expedient to state the causes therefor, and that personally he fully realized Yuan's great value in foreign relations and reforms.

The Prince further intimated, confidentially, that Yuan might be recalled to public life, and he stated that the friendly representations were very very acceptable.

Sir John Jordan made similar representations, and the Prince made reply much the same as the foregoing.

Mr. Rockhill was of opinion that the interview will have a good effect.

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