Chapter 67 66. Process of Sino-Japanese Talks

At 3 p.m. on February 2, China and Japan held their first meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Beijing. The Chinese attendees were: Minister of Foreign Affairs Lu Zhengxiang, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cao Rulin, and Secretary Shi Luben.Attendees from Japan are: Minister Hikimashi, Counselor Kohata Yukichi, and Secretary Takao Toru. After the meeting, Hiki Masaki spoke first, and he said openly and shamelessly: "Our government submitted a document to your government to resolve the disputes between the two countries, and its intention is to build a good relationship between China and Japan."

Lu Zhengxiang continued to speak and said: "I can understand what your minister said. Regarding whether your country proposed this document to our country because of the European War or the domestic general election, in my opinion, I am quite touched by the word "goodwill." This is the diplomatic principle that the President has always advocated, and it is also the goal that he has worked hard for. The President has been in Europe for more than 20 years, and he has gradually considered the current situation. He believes that China and Japan in Asia must join hands to become brotherly states. Many affairs in China today should be directed to Japan is learning from Japan, so it is the most desirable thing for the Chinese government and the people to be friendly with Japan. However, goodwill must be fair and fair, and goodwill can be mentioned everywhere, but it is not necessary to put forward conditions at this time to call it goodwill. What's more, before us There are unresolved and new cases in this condition. Please think about the unresolved incidents. Because of the geographical proximity of our two countries and the close relationship between our two countries, we can discuss them anytime and anywhere. At that time, all the problems of the submarine power lines from Nagasaki to Shanghai, and the problem of the South Manchuria Railway passing through the border of our country and reducing the tax payment by one-third. Hire Dr. Youhe from your country as a consultant, and the Ministry of Communications also hired Dr. Hirai as a consultant. If you study carefully, the government of your country can achieve the goal, and the Chinese government has never refused too much. It can be done at any time. Putting forward many conditions can only achieve the goal of goodwill that your minister said."

At that time, Japan hoped to have a result on this clause as soon as possible, so as to speed up the talks, fearing that there would be long nights and dreams, and international interference; while China hoped to delay the time and seek a turning point outside the meeting.Therefore, the Chinese representative advocated discussing Article 5 of the Japanese side one by one. Lu Zhengxiang also proposed the 1st Amendment of Article 1 and insisted on discussing it. However, Nikki Masaki insisted that the Chinese government first express a principled opinion on all the requirements of the Japanese side.

Lu said: "As for the discussion on the first article, if your minister agrees, then discuss the next article one by one; otherwise, one article is not finished, and another article is raised, or the previous article is affected by the disagreement of the second article, which will hinder the progress." The Japanese envoy said: "I propose to ask your country's opinion first by number and article, and then discuss each article." Lu replied: "I would like to ask your minister to forgive me at this level. The chief minister will take office on January 28, pay homage to the diplomatic corps on the 29th, and start to inspect the affairs on the 30th. The time is so short, and the content of your country's terms has not yet been specified. It’s better to postpone the research for another week, and I’ll let you know after I’ve done all the research, can the meeting be postponed until next Tuesday?”

The Japanese envoy said: "The content of this document has already been studied by your chief minister. I am ordered by the government to hold meetings every day. However, your chief minister has not been in office for a long time, and it is also true. I still hope that you will study it as soon as possible so that it can be accelerated." Then, the envoy said: "Today, from three o'clock to six o'clock in the afternoon, it took a full three hours without any results. It is hard to predict when the case will be closed. If the chief minister wants to Study the content of the document in detail, and decide to hold a meeting every day after a quick study. As for the meeting time, it is up to the chief executive to decide."

Lu replied: "It is possible to hold meetings every day, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is receiving foreign guests on Wednesdays, so it is difficult for me to do so; not to mention that I am physically weak, so it is actually difficult to do so." This concludes the first meeting. During the negotiation process, apart from intimidation by force, Japan also adopted a variety of despicable and shameless means, such as: buying journalists from various countries, spreading false news that China and Germany are friendly, and that China is about to join the Allies, so as to drive a wedge between China and the Allied Powers In order to bribe traitors to steal Chinese intelligence, Wang Changgeng, a staff member of the Treasury Department of the Ministry of Finance, was found to have stolen the content of the Chinese budget and sold it to Japan, and was sentenced to eight years in prison.In fact, this is just a small fly. The Japanese steal Chinese intelligence, not only can use Chinese traitors, but also rely on the status of diplomats and military officers to travel unscrupulously in China and carry out various espionage activities.

From February 2 to April 17, China and Japan held 25 meetings. On February 9, China proposed amendments, the first, second, and third amendments, and the fifth was difficult to negotiate. The Japanese side forced China to accept all of them, and did not relax half a step. On March 8th, the Sino-Japanese talks still had no results. Hiki Masunari went to meet Cao Rulin and said in a threatening tone: "The delay of the meeting has made the Japanese military and civilians unbearable. If there is no satisfactory recognition of the important terms within a few days, it may happen Unforeseen troubles." At this time, Yuan was relying on Nagao Ariga, who was sent to Japan to lobby, and it was said that he was running around lobbying among the senior officials of Japan, and he had already received results.

On April 26th, Nishiichi proposed the 24th article of the Japanese final amendment, forcing China to agree. At the same time, he increased troops in Shandong and Fengtian, and sent warships to cruise along the Bohai Sea coast. Martial law was declared in Kanto, and Japanese overseas Chinese were preparing to retreat. The atmosphere was extremely tense .At this critical juncture, the Chinese side proposed a final amendment on May 1 and awaited a reply from the Japanese side. At 3:00 p.m. on May 7, Japan suddenly submitted a condolence letter to the Yuan government, requiring the Yuan government to give a satisfactory reply to the amendment proposed by Japan before 6:00 p.m. on May 9. This famous The full text of the last part of the ultimatum reads as follows:

"In view of the attitude of the Chinese government, the imperial government deeply regrets that there is little room for further negotiations, but it is ultimately interested in maintaining peace in the Far East. It hopes to conclude this negotiation satisfactorily, so as to avoid disputes in the current situation. Among them, taking into account the wishes of the neighboring governments, the fifth item in the amendment proposed by the imperial government last time, except for the exchange of official documents in Fujian Province, which was agreed by the representatives of the two governments, the other five items can be recognized as related to this. This negotiation will be divorced and will be negotiated separately in the future. Therefore, the Chinese government should also understand the friendship of the imperial government and make the other items, namely, the first, second, third, and fourth items, and the fifth item about Fujian The exchange of provincial official documents, as recorded in the amendment proposed on April 26, will be made without any changes, and the promise will be made as soon as possible. The imperial government hereby reiterates its advice, and hopes that the Chinese government will, by 6:00 p.m. on May 9, If a satisfactory answer is not received within the time limit, the imperial government will implement the means deemed necessary and jointly declare..."

After receiving the ultimatum from Japan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry immediately reported to Yuan, who called a meeting of political leaders at 5 p.m., and all except Army Chief Duan Qirui advocated peace. At 10:00 a.m. on the 8th, Yuan was in Chunouzhai, and at 1:00 p.m. he held a meeting in Chunyizhai. All attend.At noon, the British Minister to China Zhu Dier hurried to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find Lu Zhengxiang, and asked Lu to tell Yuan. Zhu said: "China is facing a critical moment of life and death. I have been in China for forty years, and I have 30 years with President Yuan. Today, I have to rush to say a few sincere words. Japan’s ultimatum this time can only answer yes or no, and there is no room for bargaining. Now European countries are busy with the European war and have no time to look east. Apart from accepting Japan’s Apart from the conditions, there is no other way of self-sufficiency. Please, your general manager, convey my opinion to President Yuan Da." On the same day, the U.S. ambassador to China, Reinsch, also advised the Yuan government: "A formal conflict with Japan should be avoided."

Yuan Shikai's secret at this time was that he was secretly planning to become emperor, and at the same time he was devoted to dealing with the Kuomintang, so he was not prepared to resist Japan at all. Since the United States and Britain persuaded him to accept Japan's conditions, he had nothing to rely on. At 8:00 p.m. on May 8, at the meeting held in Chunyizhai, he delivered a speech with tears in his eyes, announcing his acceptance of Japan's ultimatum; he boasted that Japan's No. 5 demand, which was discussed in another case, was "struggle to the death" the result of.He also expressed his sincere thanks to British Minister Zhu Erdian for his persuasion.The meeting discussed how to reply to Japan. Originally, it was planned to use a long reply to refute each article of the Japanese side one by one. Later, it was decided to change it to a short reply. On the evening of the 8th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepared a reply overnight. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Counselor Fuba Yukichi had a long discussion on the phone about the phrase "negotiate separately in the future" in Article No. 5 of Fujian. The manuscript of the reply should be disclosed to the Japanese envoy in advance.Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shi Luben personally took the draft of the reply to the Japanese embassy, ​​and showed it to the Minister Hijimashi who was injured when he fell off a horse not long ago. Hijima saw in the reply: "No. 5 is divorced from this negotiation" and did not indicate " It will be negotiated at a later date."He lost his temper and said: "I can't accept this reply!" Shi Luben had to rush back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the manuscript, and asked Cao Rulin for instructions. Responding to the previous embassy's request for review, Hiki Masaki made some amendments to the reply according to his own intention, and it was not completed until 1 o'clock in the middle of the night on the 8th. The next day Yuan knew that Cao Rulin had made many humiliating concessions, and he was furious. He scolded him for making claims without asking for instructions. At 1:00 p.m. on May 9, China’s reply was sent to the Japanese Embassy in China by Foreign Minister Lu Zhengxiang and Deputy Minister Cao Rulin. The full text of the reply is as follows: "At 3:00 p.m. on May 7th, the Japanese envoy delivered the Metonic letter mourned by the Japanese government to the Chinese government, with seven instructions attached. The conclusion of the Metonic letter said: The Japanese Government hopes that the Chinese Government will submit a satisfactory reply by 6:00 p.m. on May 9th. If a satisfactory reply cannot be obtained by then, the Japanese Government will use such measures as the Japanese Government deems necessary.In order to maintain peace in the Far East, the Chinese government today, except for the exchange of official documents on the issue of Fujian in Article 5, recognizes the second article in accordance with the amendment proposed by Japan on April 26 and the description of the attached Metton Book. The items in No. 1, No. 3, and No. 4, but the five articles in No. 5 will be discussed separately in the future.The Chinese government's acknowledgment today is nothing more than the hope that the outstanding issues between China and Japan will be resolved and the diplomatic relations between the two countries will be strengthened. The Chinese government asks the Japanese envoy to come to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as soon as possible to draft articles and formally sign the agreement. " After Hikimashi received the official reply from China, he televised the Emperor of Japan, reporting that he had won a brilliant diplomatic victory without bloodshed, and congratulated the Emperor. On May 10, Minister Masukura Hiki came to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China to express his gratitude on behalf of the Japanese government. On the 11th, the Japanese embassy sent a note to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sending four official documents, (1) the terms submitted by the Japanese government; (2) China’s answer to the original bill after the meeting; (3) the second amendment; (4) China’s Second answer to the original case.At the same time, it was agreed to formally meet at the Guest House on the 14th. On May 25, after the Yuan government and Japan formally signed the subjugation treaty, Yuan telegraphed the civil and military ministers of the provinces and said: "Japan has made concessions without compromising China's sovereignty, so it is decided that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will reply immediately. The case has been closed. I hope that the order will be announced." At the same time, Yuan wrote two secret edicts to warn the civil and military officials of the provinces not to forget the day of May 9th, which is a day of great humiliation and great humiliation.Yuan also instructed Ding Foyan to write the book "The History of the Failure of Sino-Japanese Negotiations", 50,000 copies were printed and stored secretly in Shandong Model Prison. He gritted his teeth and said: "This time we suffered a big loss. One day we will Turn over, this book can be released to the public." Yuan also sent a secret edict to the civil and military chiefs of the provinces. The full text is as follows: "Today, the country cannot survive without self-improvement, and the distinction between strength and weakness depends on personnel! Japan was in the era of seclusion, and its academic politics is no different from that of China. Since the Meiji Restoration, it has been united and united, following Western methods, taking advantage of the times. , working hard to become a hero, who has been struggling for more than 40 years, is nothing more than seeking to achieve the political strategy of his East Asian empire. When North Korea was merged, the current Prime Minister Shigenobu Okuma has appointed himself as the future commander of China. Covering his plan to run concurrently , the strategy of making friends with a distance and attacking a short distance, is not a one-time dynasty. The reason for its strengthening is based on national education, and the teaching of shame and war lies in education. Therefore, everyone takes it as an obligation to be a soldier, and takes death in battle as the foundation. Great honor. In terms of military affairs in recent years, the conscripted army can reach one million, and the navy warships have exceeded 600,000 tons. Here, the situation is in danger, and the house fires accumulate wages, which has become a dangerous phenomenon. It was built in the late Qing Dynasty, the government lost its principles, and it became a trend. People have no foresight, use relatives and nobles, bribe public affairs, and each privately owns his own home. How do you know how to defend the country? Go to Wuchang When the incident happened, the court was at a loss, the great powers responded, and the land collapsed. The Japanese ronin, using this opportunity, secretly plotted and conspired to do everything; the lives and properties of our people, who suffered indirect and direct losses, were incalculable. Cang Chi is innocent, say My runny nose! Fortunately, God blessed China, and the disasters and chaos were brought to an end. I was able to recover from illness for the rest of my life. The overall situation was determined, which was beyond the expectations of the strong neighbors. Recalling that day, dangers and dangers abounded, and I still feel palpitations. The state affairs are roughly determined, and the European War broke out, which is related to the balance of power What a big gain. Japan benefited from the stalemate of the European powers, took advantage of the establishment of the new state of China, disregarded the public law, and destroyed our neutrality in Shandong. , I can't bear to hear that our country is suffering from this, so they protested by withdrawing their troops, and put forward harsh demands. It is said that the necessary localities will jointly run the police, and the Japanese armaments will be purchased from Japan in certain numbers, and the joint factory will be used to use the materials. These four will always regard me as a dead Korean! If one of them is allowed, the country will be destroyed, and the cattle, horses and slaves will never be restored. I will see. These four articles have been sworn to the important civil and military personnel in Beijing, and I will never make any promises. Even if the negotiation fails unfortunately, it is absolutely unreasonable to obey me. With this determination, I order the personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to persist in consultations. In addition, those who have lost more rights and interests must be considered word by word and try their best to recover. The Japanese used our country's chaotic party to harass everywhere, and spread rumors to confuse other countries. In Jinan, the Navy also haunts the Bohai Sea from time to time. Because of this, the whole country is panicked and the world is shaken. I don’t know what its intentions are. It is the responsibility to preserve the country, and it is firmly committed to the outside world. It will never change; Self-disturbance, it will be until April, and the perseverance will become stronger, and he will force me to admit it with ultimatums. Then the death will be the most violent, Siduan, or the whole bank will be wiped out, or the case will be divorced. Other heavier losses will also be discussed again and again. , can be reduced, but the statistics have lost a lot of rights! Heartbroken, angry and ashamed. The past is over, and the future will be long. Japan has a huge political strategy, which has been planned for a long time, and it will continue without interruption. Attacking ignorance, there are clear instructions in ancient times, how can I be weakI am ignorant of myself, willing to be the continuation of the death of Korea?In this competitive world, justice and power are confronting each other, and people have power to succeed. I have no justice at all. If this continues forever, what is a country?After the settlement of this negotiation, everyone who is responsible for all kinds of duties has learned from the pain, how should he calm down and try to cheer up?Succeeding is still lingering, and things are often forgotten, fearing that catastrophe will come in an instant, luck can not be repeated, the land of Shenzhou is sinking, and the place of death is unknown.I am old!Saving the country and sacrificing one's life, the heaven mourns for one's ambition, or wait a moment, so as not to see perishment in person, look at the people in the forest, those who have fewer teeth than the one given, will never be spared, and the children and grandchildren don't care!For those who speak of such painful words, I would never want to give them the truth, and sincerely breathe for life and death.Officials in our country have too deep a habit, unworthy ones dare to pretend to be public servants for personal gain, mediocre ones are more playful and lose their ambitions, enemies and foreign aggression, indifferent, gentle and martial arts, almost a fashion, follow the rules and perfunctory, the disease is inhumane; improvement.It is hoped that the four words of subjugation of the country and species will hang in everyone's minds every day, so as to inspire conscience, eliminate prejudice, practice their duties, and work together to achieve success.The same officials are bureaucrats, and they encourage each other to benefit the country, and they live and die with it.Those who have the responsibility of being close to the people should try to persuade the people at any time, so that the Chi Chi gangsters are aware of the general trend of the country and the obligations of the citizens.But those who can govern people should follow the name and take responsibility for everything, and all those who are governed should regard the country as their family.If we can follow this way, China will be strong, and our people, our bodies and our descendants will be spared the pain of subjugation.But tenacity can only lead to success, and hypocrisy is enough to cause trouble.Officials outside Beijing should advise their staff, warn the people, bear the burden of humiliation, and ask for their own. Don't show off your ambitions and abuse with empty words.Make every effort to empathize with this intention.Today, revolutionaries are referred to as “Pull Manchurians” in verbal terms. Let’s imagine that Manchuria ruled China with 1 to 2 million people. The country has been around for nearly 300 years, and our Han nationality has 400 million people. The Han people are born to be slaves and have no qualifications for human self-reliance. It is not a shame!Our Han people are all descendants of the gods. If you ask Yi Siyan, can you bear it willingly?Its death and its death are tied to the bud mulberry, but if you know it is dead, the common people will not die.All kinds of tasks are secret!This encyclical. " When the Japanese government discussed Twenty-One Articles with Yuan, the KMT had two different opinions. Some of them advocated temporarily suspending their opposition to Yuan so that Yuan could concentrate on dealing with Japan. During Yuan's negotiations with Japan, he will not interfere.Lin Hu, Xiong Kewu, and Li Genyuan of the European Affairs Research Association also issued telegrams, echoing Huang et al. The telegram said: "Our first opinion is to put the country first and then politics, and politics before the party. Yes? If there is success in government, how can it be divided into the party. Therefore, if we treat the government more badly than others, but if we are not good enough for the government, even if we want to revolutionize the government, we dare not violate the country." This kind of slow-moving proposition , Sun Yat-sen opposed it.Lin Sen once called Sun Yat-sen to ask for his opinion on Japan, whether it is possible to suspend the domestic revolutionary movement and implement a unified defense against insults, so as not to be an excuse for the people of the country.Sun Yat-sen replied: "Yuan Shikai deliberately flattered the Japanese and betrayed the country. Unless we get rid of it, we will never be able to defend the country's rights. Our party will continue to carry out the revolution, just like the Qing Dynasty, the revolution was used to stop the carve-up." After the signing of the 21 Articles between China and Japan, the whole country of Japan reveled. Prime Minister Okuma entered the palace to congratulate the emperor. Japanese expatriates openly held demonstrations insulting the Chinese people on Chinese territory. Japanese expats in Beijing drank and danced, shouting: "Long live the Great Japanese Empire" ".The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Beijing ordered the police department to protect them and sent plainclothes detectives to monitor Chinese residents near the areas where the Japanese lived. On May 13th, Japanese overseas Chinese in Hankou were preparing to hold a lantern celebration. Many patriotic students were outraged and wanted to stage a demonstration against the celebration to prevent the Japanese overseas Chinese from celebrating with lanterns. All stores in Hankou stopped the night market and closed their doors. The Japanese side even sent sailors to suppress the incident. Later, the Chinese military and police came forward to stop the patriotic parade, and the Japanese soldiers withdrew to the Japanese ship.Afterwards, the Japanese envoy to Beijing warned the Yuan government on the grounds of the anti-Japanese riot in Hankou, and the Yuan government also solemnly apologized to the Japanese side.At the same time, Rizhiyi pressed Yuan's government to ban the campaign against Japanese goods in various provinces. On June 16, Yuan issued an order to "reaffirm the ban on the exclusion of Japanese goods".Liu Xinyuan, the patrol envoy in Hunan, was dismissed because of his ineffectiveness in banning and rejecting Japanese goods, which aroused the dissatisfaction of the Japanese consul. At this time, Yuan knew that the people of the whole country opposed such treachery, but he did not dare to allow this kind of anti-Japanese sentiment to swell, because once it swelled, it would be Yuan himself who would suffer first. If you cause trouble, you will be punished immediately." On the one hand, he instructed the Senate to pass the "Regulations on Punishing National Traitors", which was promulgated on June 16.This is really a backlash.Before signing the Twenty-One Treaty, he made a speech full of tears. After signing the Twenty-One Treaty, he even issued a secret decree not to Don't forget the national humiliation. The crime of treason was passed on to the Kuomintang who opposed him in order to divert the attention of the people of the whole country.According to him, it was not he but the leader of the Kuomintang who betrayed the country.In addition to the rebellious party, he found the vicious word "national traitor" to apply to the leaders of the Kuomintang.He did this to exonerate himself from the charge of treason, and to divert the common people's feeling that the Kuomintang is just Yuan's enemy. In the "Regulations on Punishment of National Traitors", there is an article that "prohibits the signing of treaties between Chinese businessmen and foreigners", which caused the Japanese and Chinese ministers to make a strong protest on July 8, and Yuan took a lot of words to perfunctory. Because Cao Rulin was a pro-Japanese faction and was actually responsible for signing the traitorous treaty, he became a traitor accused by everyone.All over the country, telegrams were sent asking: "Punish the traitor Cao Rulin to thank the world", and both Lu Zhengxiang and Cao Rulin resigned by telegram.In Lu's telegram, "Deputy Chief Cao mistakenly signed four characters, and I was hesitant."Cao Tong said: "This case was settled peacefully. One was due to the arbitrariness of the President, and the other was due to the general will of the chiefs. ... The Japanese envoy asked for the fifth item, and after asking Chief Lu to ask the chief for instructions by phone. , Fang dare to add the words “Rongri Negotiations.” Regarding the addition of the words “Rongri Negotiations”, Yuan said that Cao made the decision without asking for instructions, while Cao said that he made the decision after asking for instructions.In fact, the signature has already been signed, and it doesn't matter whether you add these four words or not. Appendix "Twenty-one and Me" written by Cao Rulin, Cao is recognized as a pro-Japanese faction, and is regarded as a traitor by the Chinese. Of course, the process he narrates is to reverse the verdict for himself, but because he is the party to the contract, there is naturally a part of it. The existence of historical facts—— In the second year of Yu's inauguration (undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), that is, in January of the fourth year of the Republic of my country, the whole country of our country was unified, and the countries officially recognized that the white "wolf" bandits had been pacified, the prestige of the central government had been established, and the country's government was roughly determined, and construction could begin .However, the war in Europe is in full swing, and Japan has occupied Qingdao.At that time, Japanese Prime Minister Shigenobu Okuma and Foreign Minister Takaaki Kato were both ambitious for China. They suddenly ordered Hikimashi, the Minister in China, to return to China to report on his duties. When Minister Hiki returned to Beijing, he met the President (Yuan Shikai).Unexpectedly, after exchanging greetings, the Japanese envoy said: "For the sake of permanent goodwill and peace between the two countries, the government of this country intends to send a letter of understanding. I hope that your president will pay attention to the importance of the relationship between the two countries and quickly order the ruling to be implemented." The president replied: "China and Japan The goodwill between the two countries is my prestige, but the negotiation matters should be handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in charge, and should be handed over to Deputy Minister Cao to bring them back to the outside, and the foreign minister will negotiate with your minister." Yan already put the Japanese envoy's letter on the table I put it aside, but didn't read it.After the envoy resigned, the president said to me: "Leave the Japanese book here, let me read it carefully." I returned to the ministry. The next morning, the President summoned Foreign Minister Sun Baoqi, Secretary-General Liang Shiyi, Zhengshitang Zuo Cheng Yang Shiqi, and Yu to the mansion.The president said: "The letter of enlightenment put forward by Japan this time has a profound meaning. They take advantage of the war in Europe and other countries have no time to look around. Contempt. In the fifth item of Jueshu, North Korea is regarded as our country, and it must not be discussed." He also said: "Let me read it carefully before handing it over to the Ministry." Everyone obeyed orders and dispersed.At that time, Lu Zixing (Zhengxiang) did not agree with the discussion (Original Note: The record in the book "Lu Zhengxiang Biography" does not match the facts, and it is nonsense to say that I and Mu Han advocated to be recognized immediately, without discussion).The next day the president called me into the mansion, and he said: "I have read the instructions carefully one by one, and you and Zixing will discuss accordingly." Jueshu is divided into five sections: The first item is about the extension of Luda Nanman Railway; The second item is the issue of roads and mines and the purchase of commercial ports in the three eastern provinces of Inner Mongolia; Item 3. In the future, Japan will return the leased land in Qingdao, Germany to China, but the rights and interests acquired in Germany in Shandong, as well as the Jiaoji Railway, etc., should be inherited by Japan; Item 4. South Manchuria and Inner Mongolia must build railways. The two provinces of Jibong should allow Japanese to live together in the interior, and Fujian Province should not be transferred to a third country. The Hanyeping Iron Mine and Iron Factory should be jointly established by China and Japan, and the connected iron mines should be developed. , to build the Zhejiang-Fujian Railway; Item 5 (Note: hope conditions), 1. Employ Japanese as military advisers.2. To jointly establish an arsenal, and China and Japan will use the same ordnance.3. Employ Japanese as police instructors in major provinces and cities.4. Chinese elementary schools employ Japanese teachers.5. The Japanese monk Xu preached in the mainland of China (this is the main idea, the order of the words and sentences in the entries is wrong). The president wrote his instructions in ink pen one by one, which were extremely detailed, and ordered that when the discussion was held, they should be discussed item by item, and they should not be discussed in general.Now I can only remember the general idea as follows: Criticism to the first article: This book was allowed to continue for the unexpired period of Russia at the meeting of the three eastern provinces of the Sino-Russian Agreement in the former Qing Dynasty, and it was extended by Japan to the full period, and it has to be revised again today.But if it can be taken back in the future, it has little to do with the number of years, so there is no need to argue about this article. On the issue of recognizing the interests of Germany: both parties should discuss it together. How can it be decided by Japan and I admit it. This is a matter of the future. As for the joint mining approval: one or two can be agreed, and it must be handled according to the mining regulations. For the construction of railways: it must be the same as borrowing from other countries to build roads. The administrative power of railways must be managed by the Chinese themselves. Japan can only grant accounting audit rights to manage loans, but it must be carefully considered. As for the approval of opening commercial ports: self-opening methods must be used, and restrictions should be used to prevent the Japanese from flooding in and turning against customers. Approval of the Hanyeping Iron Ore Factory; this is a commercial company, and the government cannot act on its behalf. Approval for the Zhejiang-Fujian Railway: it must be checked, and it seems to be related to the United Kingdom. Concession and criticism of Fujian: Absurd and absurd, how can the territory be transferred to a third country. Criticism of mixed living in the Mainland: before the recovery of extraterritoriality, mixed living cannot be allowed. To the fifth item, it is criticized: this restriction of our country's sovereignty seems to treat us as North Korea. This kind of condition should not be raised by an equal country, and it is really hateful.Japan itself also felt that it was inappropriate, so it noted "hope conditions", it is okay to ignore it, and it must not be discussed, and it must be remembered (two sentences with a red pen circle). Two days later, Takao's interpreter called me and asked me, when will the meeting start?Yu replied that if your minister did not hand over the letter of consciousness to my chief, how could we start a discussion?It is also a diplomatic practice that Gai satirizes it to deliver directly to the president.The next day, Minister Hiki came to see Mr. Sun (foreign minister Sun Baoqi) and handed over the letter.Mr. Sun received Jue's book, read it a little, and made a lot of comments, and pointed out and commented on each article one by one.The Japanese envoy said with a smile: "The content of your letter, Mr. Yu Jue, is so clear, and it will be easier to discuss in the future." When he spoke, he looked at me and smiled, and Gai ridiculed me on the phone and said, "I haven't handed over to the foreign minister. How did I start the discussion? It's clearly a lie." and also.President Sun’s meeting notes with the Japanese envoys (this is an external practice that has always been used in meetings with all envoys) was submitted to the President. After reading it, the President was very disapproving, saying: "I have asked you not to discuss in general. Why did Mu Han (Sun Zi) So confused, when they first met, they criticized and discussed one by one, how can they continue to discuss in the future. Mu Han is absurd, too rough, and can't take this position." That night, he asked Yang Xingcheng (Zhengshitang Zuo Cheng) to ask Lu Zixing for consent (Shi Lu Rengao, etc.) Consultant), the next day Lu Zhengxiang was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sun Tiao was supervised by the Taxation Office.Outsiders call it agile, but Japan has some afterwords. At the end of January, a meeting was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building. The attendees were our Foreign Minister Lu Zhengxiang, Deputy Minister Cao Rulin, Secretary Shi Luben, Japanese Minister Hikimasu, First Secretary Yukichi Kobata, and interpreter Takao Toru.Our country's chief minister, Lu, took this meeting as a matter of great importance, so he concentrated his attention and engaged in discussions.At the first meeting, the Japanese minister first delivered a speech, mainly saying that the conditions proposed this time are for the sake of permanent mutual goodwill between the two countries, and hope that such terms can be negotiated as soon as possible.Director-General Lu also delivered a speech, answering that China and Japan are really dependent on each other, and they should be friendly to each other. I have always advocated goodwill between the two countries, and cited that during the prime minister’s tenure, Baron Yoshiro Sakatani was hired as a consultant for finance, Dr. Hirai was hired as a consultant for transportation, and Dr. Hirai was hired for legal affairs. Dr. He was hired as a consultant to prove it.The Japanese envoy said that he has long admired Chief Minister Gui for his diplomatic affairs and is well-known in Europe and the United States. It is a great honor to be able to discuss with Chief Minister Gui today.This time, our country is very willing to conclude this matter quickly, so we plan to meet five times a week, starting at 2:00 pm each time.Director-General Lu replied five times a week. I am weak and the Ministry has to meet with the envoys once a week. How about changing it to three times a week?The Japanese envoy agrees.Lu also said that the meeting minutes do not need to be signed by each other, and the Japanese envoy also agreed, and declared that the meeting should not be leaked until it is published.Lu also agreed, and said that the meeting should be carried out in order according to the original conditions. One item was resolved, and another item was discussed. Japan also agreed.Then the first article was discussed, and the Japanese envoy said that this is an established fact, but more than half of the time limit has passed since Japan received it, so please change it according to the original time limit.When Lu answered the meeting of the three eastern provinces, the time limit had already passed, and your country had already agreed to inherit the unexpired time limit from Russia. Why do you have to redefine it now?The Japanese envoy said that the principle of resetting the year has not changed, and I hope that it will be agreed.After a little debate, it was agreed to be approved. The Japanese envoy said with a smile: "Mr. Gui really understands it very well. I hope that the rest of the articles can be agreed so quickly." The second meeting was to discuss the second item. The Japanese envoy said that the rights and interests acquired by Germany from the leased land in Jiaoao were unconditionally transferred to Japan when Japan sent an ultimatum to Germany.Once Germany is handed over, in order to respect your country's sovereignty, you should ask China to recognize it.The leased land (referring to Qingdao) will be fully returned to China after Japan obtains it from Germany.Lu replied that when Japan declared war with Germany, it declared that the entire territory of Jiaoao leased by Germany would be returned to China, and did not mention other rights and interests.The Japanese envoy said that Japan captured Qingdao, one to assist the Allied Powers, and the other to respect China's sovereign territory, so it is hereby declared that it will be returned to China after it is captured.Among them, the rights and interests should be continuously acquired by Japan. When a peace conference is held in the future, it will have to negotiate an appropriate disposal, so there is no need to declare to your country first.What you want to ask your country to recognize now is the method agreed at the peace conference. It has the same meaning as Japan won Russia's rights and interests at that time, asking China to recognize it.The Lu family replied that since it was necessary to discuss it at the peace meeting in the future, there was no need to admit it first, and we would look at the situation when the peace meeting was held, so there was no need to declare it first.The Japanese envoy said that Japan's acquisition of German rights and interests can be described as an established fact, and that the general purpose can be agreed now to avoid further trouble in the future.Lu also replied that the capture of Qingdao would involve Britain, not just Japan.The Japanese envoy said that although Britain participated, Japan contributed the most and sacrificed the most. Britain has no objection to how to negotiate.Our side has always refused to make a statement in advance, and the Japanese envoy said, please discuss the scope first, only limited to related matters in Qingdao, and will never go beyond the scope.They debated with each other for a long time, until the meeting was adjourned without resolution. At the second meeting, the Japanese envoy proposed to discuss the issue of the Northeast Road and Mine first.We answered that in the meeting minutes of the three eastern provinces, there is no agreement on parallel lines, which is contrary to the previous discussion.The Japanese envoy said that this discussion was related to the communication between South Manchuria and Inner Mongolia, and it was a different matter from the previous meeting.The land and the land are connected, and the business is flourishing. It is only an ancient means of transportation, which is not practical. The business cannot be developed without the laying of railways.We use the word that people are not open to fear of opposition.The Japanese envoy laughed and said that the people of Inner Mongolia are no different from the people of Eastern Province. They are also willing to build a railway to facilitate transportation, and they will never oppose it.As for the result of the negotiation, I only remember Xianyun's journey. I will see the situation later, but I can't remember the route clearly. Continue to discuss mining.The Japanese envoy said that China has always been known for its vast land and rich resources, and it would be a pity if it was allowed to hide underground and not be exploited. Therefore, we should investigate first with each other before discussing mining.This matter can be jointly organized by China and Japan, so that the two countries can share the same interests, and it will also be of great benefit to the local people.We agree to conduct an investigation first, and choose the best ones first, but the method of joint operation must be in accordance with China's mining regulations. China uses mineral rights as the capital of the joint venture, and a supervisor must be assigned.If there is any surplus, it should be distributed reasonably.Japan calls joint ventures, which are commercial in nature. China is a shareholder, and can automatically elect directors and supervisors on the same basis. The government does not need to send supervisors, and the benefits are of course equally shared.Sui Yun investigated two or three places first, but he couldn't remember the names of the places. Following the discussion on the opening of commercial ports in the three eastern provinces.The Japanese envoy said that the three eastern provinces are developing rapidly and are different than before. The trade between China and Japan is advancing with the times. The original commercial ports are not enough to meet the reality. Therefore, more commercial ports must be opened. Follow the example of your country’s self-opened commercial ports, which can further enhance the trade between the two sides. .Our answer is that many commercial ports in the three eastern provinces have already been opened during the aftermath conference of the three eastern provinces. According to the current situation, there seems to be no need to open more.The Japanese envoy said that China opened its own commercial port, and that all management of police administration still belongs to China, but it is convenient for all countries to do business, and it not only develops the business of China and Japan, but also benefits all countries.Later, considering the actual situation in the local area, he still followed the method of self-opening commercial ports and allowed to open three or four more. The Japanese envoy continued to raise the issue of living together in the Mainland.Japanese envoys say that Japan is narrow and densely populated, while Eastern Province is vast and sparsely populated. If Japan's immigration to Eastern Province is not restricted, it will be a mutual adjustment and each will benefit.Mrs. Lu replied that there are already many commercial ports in the eastern provinces, and now they are allowed to add more. This is to solve the living problem of the people of your country, not just for business.The atmosphere in the interior has not yet been developed, education has not been popularized, and customs and habits are different. Now living together is easy to cause misunderstandings.In the future, with the development of people's wisdom and popularization of education, it will naturally be possible to open up mixed living, but it is too early.Moreover, your country has a mild climate, and the eastern province is cold. When I was in Russia, I saw Russians who only moved to the south, but no southerners who came to the north. This is why.I also added that people from Shandong in China who go to the eastern provinces always return from spring to winter, and this is also why.The Japanese envoy smiled and said to me, you have been in Japan before, so you should know that Hokkaido is as cold as the three eastern provinces, but there are not a few Chinese who go to Hokkaido.Foreign Minister Lu said that the extraterritoriality has not yet been withdrawn.Before your country's extraterritorial rights are recovered, foreigners are not allowed to live together in the mainland.We debated with each other several times, but we insisted that we could not resolve it.日使提议，此案彼此研究再议，前议山东问题，尚无结果，续议山东问题如何？我方同意（我方又修改答案）。 适日使坠马受伤，会议停了三次。小幡来部告我，公使伤未愈，腿涂石膏，不能下床，但急于会议，拟请陆总长与您枉驾使馆会议。余告陆总长同意，遂移至日本使馆会议。日使不能下床，就在床前设桌会议。日使先说抱歉之意，又说内地杂居，难于解决，我们先议山东开埠及合办矿业问题。我方同意。陆氏先说，查山东沿海，都已开为商埠，此次贵方提出各处，近于内地，不通海道，轮船不能进出，不合开埠条件。讨论后，日使允先撤回，调查后再议。先议开矿问题，日使谓山东煤矿、铁矿都有，久藏于地，不使开采，殊为可惜，若中日合办开采，彼此有利。我方答以本席亦同有此意，但贵方所提各矿，均已由人民领得开矿执照者，未便取消。日使谓，听说贵国商民，往往领得执照，取得利权，永不开采，此种利权应即取消，另给他人。陆氏答，我国商民请领执照，亦定有限期，若逾限不勘测，亦予以撤销。余又补充说，亦有斟酌情形，在限期未满即行撤销者，惟中国商民集资不易，政府为体恤民艰，定限较长，不能若贵国商民之踊跃投资可比。陆又云，贵方所提各处，都没有逾限，故不便撤销。日使请主管部再行详查，如有逾限不事勘测，或确知其无力集资开采者，应依法撤销，此是各国通例，并非优于日本也。后由商部清查撤销一处，允与日本合办，惟声明须按照中国矿业条例。 越数日，日使能支拐杖而行，会议仍迁回外部官邸，然答案已改了三次矣。每件议案，总须磋商两三次，故屡改答案，请示总统而行。在移回外部会议时，日使即说，上次会议关于胶澳租借地内权益问题，尚未解决，今日先将这问题解决如何？陆氏坚持不允先议。日使问为何理由？陆氏答以总要有了相对事实，才能决定承认与否，本席对于青岛之德国权益，不甚明了，何能先予以笼统承认？且事或许有变化，目前先行承认，将来岂非为难？日使谓，日本占领青岛及胶济铁路，这是既成事实，不会变化。陆谓凡事变化，岂能预知？日使追问，贵总长所谓变更，到底所指何事，本席不能明白，请明白指示。陆氏谓，贵国占领青岛，将来仍还我国，这自决无变化。至其他权益，我尚未调查明白，即在将来开和会时，我国对于德国取得之权益，何去何从，尚未由政府决定，现在何能先议。日使谓德国在青岛之权益，自应由日本继承，这是天经地义，将来开和会，各国决无异议。彼此争论两日，陆氏坚持不肯先议。日使强调日本决不以未经中国承认之事强中国承认，贵总长既然不肯先议，且看将来和会开议，决不会有与今日不同之处，只先作存案可也。 后又议及闽浙铁路问题，我方告以此案因与英国有关系，须要知会英国后再议。日使即说，既与英国有关，我方自可撤回。这是第一次痛快撤回，可知日本对英国联盟之重视。 日使继提福建不能让租与他国问题。陆氏正色道，福建为我国行省，何能与他国有让与行为？贵国提出此案，深为遗憾。日使笑谓，因贵国有例在先，故请注意。陆谓前政府有此糊涂行为，本政府决无此事。日使仍一再要求，须请声明，不用换文，亦不向日本声明。后改由中国自行声明，中国领土，永远自保完整，无论何省，决不与他国有让与行为，福建亦不例外，将此声明抄送日本。我觉得这办法，等于自骗自，不很妥当，然陆氏既已如此作，不必再说。 对于汉冶萍合办问题，我方答以此系民间商营公司，政府不能越俎代谋，应与该公司自行商议。日使请为介绍亦未允。越日又议内地杂居问题，日使坚持甚力。会议多次，各执一辞，终未获解决。 每当会议不能解决之时，总统常命余与日使或小幡交换意见，为侧面之商谈，探听对方真意所在，有时因此而获解决之途径。此次总统又命余为侧面之商谈，这种商谈，仅是个人行为，不负正式会议之责任。我去见日使，告以我国对日本人内地杂居为难情形。日使说中国不允日本人内地杂居，不过仍有排外之心而已。我答以中国并非有排外心，实在是日本人优越感太甚，致使彼此发生不愉快事情。中国人对外国人向来一视同仁，很有礼貌，而日本人对我国人往往轻蔑，甚至欺侮，因之使中国人受不了时，激起不快之事，反与国交有碍。所以不允内地杂居，在都市尚且如此，何况内地？日使谓，东省地面辽远，人烟稀少，多些日人有何关系？我答以奉吉两省内地，亦有人烟稠密之处，且东省人习惯，喜欢聚族而居，往往一乡即是一族，他们与别族同住尚不愿意，何况与外人杂居？东省商埠如此之多，又有南满广大的附属地，难道日本人尚不够居住？日使谓，商埠与附属地，一为经商，一为护路。日本人长于农事，你是知道的，若今日人杂居内地，即可从事耕种垦荒，不出十年，东省荒地，变成熟地，多产粮食，于两国都有益处，岂非两利？我记得他在会议时，没有提过农事垦荒的话，我即说此确是与两国均有益处，但恐日人不惯寒冷耳。日使笑谓，这是他们自己之事，我又说，中国租地耕种，各省都有老习惯，各处不尽相同，日人能照地方习惯否？日使谓，当然要照当地习惯。遂辞出，归告陆总长，并报告总统，日使所言，意在垦荒耕种，若照此意，与杂居不同。总统说，虽然如此，日本借垦荒为名，行其侵略阴谋，亦不可不防，你们姑拟一方案，就耕种方面，谋解决之法亦是一法。遂拟方案如下： “吉奉两省，不论官有民有地亩，允许日人订立契约租借耕种（如系官荒，向地方管辖官吏商订租约），定明晌数（东省一晌约合内地十亩），期限二十年，满期后应无条件交还原业主。日本租地人应照纳课税，并服从中国地方法令，听警察指导，及不违背地方上租地耕种之习惯。” 呈阅总统，亦以为然，遂又续商杂居问题。陆氏说，杂居问题本席尊重贵方意见，再三研究，拟成新方案，与杂居之意不但不违背，且取杂居精意，希望贵使容纳，解决此案。日使阅后谓，此案容研究，下次再议。及下次会议时，日使谓此案对于年限交还业主，及不背地方习惯各点，都有商量余地，惟服从中国法令，听中国警察指导，绝对不能同意，日本人无服从中国法令及听中国警察指导之义务。若照贵方所拟，不啻剥夺条约上应享之权利，须知贵国尚未收回裁判权也。虽经余等再三说明解释，仍不得同意而散。 我又去使馆见小幡书记宫，我说我方所拟方案与杂居已颇相近，日置公使不同意，且误解方案之意，甚为可惜。小幡问所谓法令，系指何项法令？如何性质？请为说明。我谓不过违警令之类，并非法律。若不听警察指导，设有两人互斗，没有警察劝解，岂不有酿成人命之虞。至课税更是轻到无可再轻，这是地方收入，请加调查，即可明白。此事不要看得太严重，须在事实上着想，不在法律观点上着想，才是解决此案之办法。从前贵国明治初年，外国人只居留在长崎，不准自由往来他处。我国商人居留于长崎者，都遵照日本法律而行，今日中国情形与日本明治初年情形相仿，然中国待外国人比日本宽得多了。反复辩论甚久，小幡始允转达公使而别。 我方将方案二十年改为“三十年”，满期交还后又添“如双方同意，可再展期，但不得过十年。”服从中国地方法令，听警察指导改为“服从中国警察法令”。此案已会议五次，侧面商谈多次，答案又改了三次，争到舌敝唇焦，对于“服从中国警察法令”争论最烈，我方始终认为维持秩序为不可少之条，与条约绝无关系，坚持不让，终于就范。 至此，应商之案，都已商结，计第一条列为条约，此外议定者八件（或九件），均作为换文。陆总长起立致词谓：“此次贵国所提条件，我方始终努力尊重贵方意见，均已议定解决，亦是贵公使开诚布公，得以有此结果，实为两国前途之幸，谨代表政府向贵公使深致谢意。”日使亦答言：“贵总长深知两国关系之切，前途非和平亲善不足以增加友谊，顾全大局，至为感佩。尚有第五项各条，亦希望开诚商议，则两国亲善友谊益臻巩固，不但为两国前途庆，实为维持东亚和平庆，务请贵总长谅解此意。”陆外长答谓：“此次会议，本席已尽最大之努力以酬贵国之愿望。至第五项，贵国本为希望条件，本政府亦以贵国提出此项条件，有损两国友谊，本席绝对不能应命商议，务请原谅。”日使请交换意见亦不允。日使再三要求，陆外长遂正色说：“此等条件不应对于对等友邦提出，本席无论如何，不能商议，应请贵公使撤回。”言颇激烈。日使亦谓：“为两国谋永久和平合作，本国政府才提出条件，贵总长谓有碍两国友谊，实深遗憾。”遂于不欢中散会（原注：以上记述，因年代久远，手头又无资料，只凭记忆，头绪纷繁，大略如此，难免有错之处，深抱不安）。休会至一星期，余亦不去见日使，彼此僵持，濒于决裂。 当日本提出廿一条向我国交涉以前，以盟邦关系，曾通知英政府，但不提第五项。后闻我国因不肯商议第五项，濒于决裂，英报提到第五项，日政府从没有向英政府提过，这种重要条件，不先告友邦，有欠诚意。西报又谓，日本想独占东三省，与美国开放门户，利益均沾，实有违背之意。日本曾来责问中国事前泄漏，有违预先声明，我方自然极力否认。其实当时英国名记者莫理逊，美国记者端赖均在北京，与参事顾少川（维钧）、伍梯云（朝枢）等时有往来，会议情形知之甚详。日使因无凭证，只口头抗议亦无他法。 余以会议僵持已久，终须设法打开，遂向总统建议，请密遣公府顾问有贺长雄博士，回国向日本元老疏通。总统问，此着有效否？余答，有贺博士在日本不但学者地位很高，他在明治初年设元老院时即是元老院的干事，与陆奥宗光（编者按：甲午中日之战后与李鸿章在马关议和时之日本外相）同事，故于元老方面，颇有渊源。日本政府对于元老很为尊重，元老都是持重有远见之人，若告以第五项条件不但于两国不利，且易引起人民仇日之心。我曾与有贺谈过此次交涉情形，他亦很以为然。请总统召见有贺，假以词色，恳切相托，他必肯效力。总统遂特召有贺进府，告以此次日本提出的觉书，由外交部总、次长尽最大之努力，以副日本之愿望。今日置公使又要求商议日本希望条件之第五项，实在令我为难，请回国向元老详细说明，请其谅解，顾全两国之友谊。君必能谅解我意，及政府为难情形，务请善为详辞。有贺果然自告奋，愿回国尽力向元老报告，力说利害。 时日本元老以松方正义侯最关心中国情形，有贺见松方侯陈说此次中国政府已尽力商结日本觉书之各条，日置公使又要商议希望条件之第五项，未免逼人太甚，难怪中国政府为难不肯商议。松方侯听到第五项，似未知道，又听有贺报告第五项内容，面现诧异之色，随即召加藤外相，访问他觉书中有第五项，何以没有报告？加藤说，这是希望条件。松方即说，既然只是希望条件，对方不愿开议，即不应强逼开议，设若交涉决裂，你将何以处置？加藤答，不惜使用武力，不出三个月中国可完全征服。松方笑说，莫要把中国看得太轻，若用武力，恐三年未必成功，遑说三月，应速自行善处（日本对善处之语，意颇严重）。加藤知是有贺进言，遂令监视有贺，不许行动，幸有贺已完全报告矣。 加藤外受盟邦猜疑，内招元老之诘责，进退两难，图穷而匕首见，竟决下最后通牒，以强迫我国；一面又将第五项在最后通牒内谓“暂时脱离，容后再议”。这种措词等于自行撤回，对外尚箭拨弩张，对内已色厉内荏矣。陆公使（宗舆）亦探得内容，密电报告。最后通牒电达北京日使馆，一面将副本送达中国驻日陆公使，陆公使即电告外交部。而北京自使馆方面接到通牒，不即送交我外部，由小幡来见我说，政府即预备下最后通牒，不惜一战，若将第五项酌议几条，即可免此危险。我答以贵国已将最后通牒副本送达我国驻日公使，已来电报告，公使为政府代表，送交公使，即无异送交我政府，既下归后通牒，有何再商之可言？小幡语塞而去。日本外交官总想得寸进尺以邀功也。 翌晨，日使即将最后通牒亲到外交部送交陆总长，态度严重，不发一言。陆总长只说了“可惜”一语，他即告辞。日方一面关外调动军队，渤海军舰游戈，迨下通牒后，训令日侨预备撤退，下戒严令，尽其恫吓之能事。 此次会议，我与陆子兴总长，殚精竭力，谋定后动，总统又随时指示，余每晨入府报告，七时到府，总统已在公事厅等着同进早膳，报告昨日会议情形，讨论下次应付方针，有时议毕又入府请示。陆闰生公使（宗舆）又以日本内情时常电告。陆总长确能恪遵总统批示，决不越出批示范围。正式会议之外，又有侧面商谈，卒以说动日本元老挽此危机。日本所提之廿一条，议结者不满十条，而第五项辱国条件，终于拒绝撤回。会议结果，虽不能自满，然我与陆总长已尽最大努力矣。 揣日本此所提廿一条，包罗万象，集众大成，势力由东北、内蒙以至闽、浙，权利由建铁路、开矿产以至开商埠、内地杂居。甚至第五项要求政府机关设立日本顾问，两国用同一军械，警察由日本训练，小学用日本教师，日本僧人到内地传教。凡此苛刻条件，思以雷霆之压力，一鼓而使我屈服。若使遂其所欲，直可亡国。幸我府院一心，内外协力，得此结果，亦是国家之福。世人不察，混称廿一条辱国条件，一若会议时已全部承认者，不知廿一条之第五项各条，不但辱国，且有亡国可能，已坚拒撤回不议。而所议定者，不满十条。世人对此交涉不究内容，以讹传讹，尽失真相。尤异者，我虽列席会议，而此约之签字者是外交总长陆徵祥，我是次长何能签为？世人都误以为此约由我签字，张冠李戴，反未提及陆氏，亦是不可思议之事。 总统召集各机关首长、参议院议长、府院秘书长、陆军次长、外交次长等开全体大会，讨论日本最后通牒，应否接受。外交总长陆子兴尚未到，以电话催请，云与英使朱尔典会晤，等侯三十分钟后，陆氏才到，报告与朱使特别会晤情形：朱使云，今日大会，关系重大，我因关心，特于会前来见。日