“Those who question the necessity for war can only quote the attitude of America as example.  The position of China is, however, different from that of America in two points.  First, actual warfare will follow immediately after America’s declaration of war, so it is necessary for her to make the necessary preparations before taking the step.  For this purpose, America has voted several hundred million dollars for an increase of her naval appropriations.  America therefore cannot declare war until she has completed every preparation.  With China it is different.  Even after the declaration of war, there will be no actual warfare.  It is therefore unnecessary for us to wait.

“Secondly, America has no such things as foreign settlements, consular jurisdiction or other un-equal treaties with Germany.  Under the existing conditions America has no difficulties in safeguarding herself against the Germans residing in America after the severance of diplomatic relations even though war has not yet been actually declared, and as to future welfare, America will have nothing to suffer even though her old treaties with Germany should continue to be operative.  It is impossible for China to take the necessary steps to safeguard the country against the Germans residing in China unless the old treaties be cancelled.  For unless war is declared it is impossible to cancel the consular jurisdiction of the Germans, and so long as German consular jurisdiction remains in China we will meet with difficulties everywhere whenever we wish to deal with the Germans.  If our future is to be considered, unless war is declared, the old treaties will again come into force upon the resumption of diplomatic relations, in which case we shall be held responsible for all the steps which we have taken in contravention of treaties during the rupture.  It will be advantageous to China if the old treaties be cancelled by a declaration of war and new treaties be negotiated after the conclusion of peace.

“In short by severing diplomatic relations with Germany China has already incurred the ill-feelings of that country.  We shall not be able to lessen the hostile feelings of the Germans even if we refrain from declaring war on them.  It is therefore our obligation to choose the course that will be advantageous to us.  This is not reluctantly yielding to the request of the Entente Allies.  It is the course we must take in our present situation.

THE REASON FOR DECLARING WAR

“The presumptuous manner in which Germany has replied to our demand is an open affront to our national integrity.  Recently Germany has deliberately shown hostility to our advice by reiterating her determination to carry out the ruthless submarine policy with increased vigour.  All these are reasons for diplomatic rupture as well as for declaration of war.  Furthermore, the peace of the Far East was broken by the occupation of Kiachow by Germany.  This event marked the first step of the German disregard for international law.  In the interests of humanity and for the sake of what China has passed through, she should rise and punish such a country, that dared to disregard international law.  Such a reason for war is certainly beyond criticism.