Your Excellency:—­

With reference to the new submarine policy of Germany, the Government of the Republic of China, dictated by the desire to further the cause of world’s peace and to maintain the sanctity of International Law, addressed a protest to Your Excellency on February 9th and declared that in case, contrary to its expectations, its protest be ineffectual, it would be constrained to sever the diplomatic relations at present existing between the two countries.

During the lapse of a month no heed has been paid to the protest of the Government of the Republic in the activities of the German Submarines, activities which have caused the loss of many Chinese lives.  On March 10, a reply was received from Your Excellency.  Although it states that the Imperial German Government is willing to open negotiations to arrive at a plan for the protection of Chinese life and property, yet it declares that it is difficult for Germany to cancel her blockade policy.  It is therefore not in accord with the object of the protest and the Government of the Chinese Republic, to its deep regret, considers its protest to be ineffectual.  The Government of the Republic is constrained to sever the diplomatic relations at present existing with the Imperial German Government.  I have the honour to send herewith to Your Excellency, the passport for Your Excellency, the members of the German Legation and their families and retinue for protection while leaving Chinese territory.  With regard to the Consular Officers of Germany in China, this Ministry has instructed the different Commissioners of Foreign Affairs to issue to them similarly passports for leaving the country.

    I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the
    assurance of my highest consideration.

    March 14th, 1917.

It was not until eleven days later—­on the 25th March—­that the German Minister and his suite reluctantly left Peking for Germany via America.  Meanwhile the Chinese Government remained undecided regarding the taking of the final step as a number of important matters had still to be settled.  Not only had arrangements to be made with the Allies but there was the question of adjusting Chinese policy with American action.  A special commission on Diplomatic affairs daily debated the procedure to be observed, but owing to the conflict of opinion in the provinces further action was greatly delayed.  As it is necessary to show the nature of this conflict we give two typical opinions submitted to the Government on the question of a formal declaration of war against Germany (and Austria).  The first Memorandum was written for the Diplomatic Commission by the scholar Liang Ch’i-chao and is singularly lucid:—­

    THE NECESSITY FOR WAR