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 Li