Chapter 150 149. The Shandong issue failed

In mid-April 8, the European peace treaty was generally discussed, so the focus of the peace meeting returned to discussing the Shandong issue. On the 16th, the highest meeting discussed the Shandong issue. Wilson suggested that Germany's rights in Shandong should be handed over to the peace conference first, and then handed over to China after China has established important areas of Shandong as commercial ports.Makino expressed his opposition, and the representatives of Britain, France, and Italy also did not support the US proposal. On the 21st, Makino had an audience with Wilson alone, still insisting that Japan should inherit Germany's rights in Shandong.Wilson put forward a compromise proposal, intending to hand over Germany's interests in the Pacific region to the Allied Powers and participating countries for "fair distribution", and at the same time, the countries would give up their sphere of influence in China.Makino believes that if countries are willing to give up their sphere of influence in China, Japan can also give up, but the Shandong issue must be handled according to Japan's intentions.

After Wilson received Makino, he held a Big Four meeting with French Prime Minister Clemenceau, British Prime Minister Lloyd George, and Italian Prime Minister Orlando. Wilson reported his contacts with Japanese representatives to the other Big Three. Lloyd George suggested that Germany The leased land in Shandong was ceded to the League of Nations, and the League of Nations took over and managed it by way of mandate. On the morning of the 22nd, the four giants of the United States, Britain, France, and Italy held a meeting. The representatives of Italy withdrew from the meeting in anger because they failed to achieve their goals in the fight for Fiume. As a result, the four giants became the Big Three. The Paris Peace Conference was due to the withdrawal of the Italian representatives. And a crack occurred.Therefore, the Japanese representative seized the opportunity to become tough and resolutely opposed the League of Nations’ hosting, claiming that he had received an order from his own government that if the Shandong issue could not be resolved satisfactorily, Japan would not sign the peace treaty with Germany, and the Japanese representative could withdraw from the meeting if necessary.At the same time, the Japanese representative will announce the secret agreement on the Shandong issue signed between Japan and Britain, France, Italy and other countries in 1917.In this secret agreement, Britain, France, and Italy all acquiesced that Japan has the right to inherit Germany's Shandong.

Italian Prime Minister Orlando withdrew from the Supreme Conference, which made the Paris Peace Conference encounter difficulties. Therefore, Japan’s blackmail came into effect, because everyone was afraid that the Japanese representatives would follow the example of Italy and withdraw from the peace conference. , In this situation, China has suffered a lot. On the afternoon of the 22nd, the three giants of the United States, Britain, and France continued their highest meeting. The theme of the meeting was to discuss the Shandong issue. Mood to attend the meeting.President Wilson of the United States first delivered a speech. He made a conclusion on China's request and the dispute with Japan. He said:

"The main purpose of our participation in the world war is to maintain the sanctity of the treaty. China and Japan have both the Sino-Japanese agreement of May 25, 1915, and the September 24, 1918 agreement. After the exchange of letters, the treaty signed by Britain, France and other countries with Japan also maintained Japan’s inheritance of Germany’s rights and obligations in Shandong. Under such circumstances, the Shandong issue seems to be irreversible!” Wilson's words only took into account one aspect, which is to respect the sanctity of treaties, but many treaties are not sacred, and unequal treaties should be amended!

President Wilson used the sanctity of the treaty as an excuse to refuse to face the reality and uphold justice. This is no wonder, because the treaty is a relatively reliable document after all. The pity is that China has suffered enough from the treaty in international affairs since the end of the Qing Dynasty.Unequal treaties are all bloody marks for China. When Wilson announced at the Supreme Council that maintaining Japan’s inheritance of Germany’s rights in Shandong was based on the treaty signed between China and Japan, representative Gu Weijun stood up and spoke: "I object to your Excellency's opinion, because the Chinese government was forced to accept the 1915 Sino-Japanese Treaty after Japan issued an ultimatum; as for the 1918 contract renewal exchange letter, it was based on a The treaty of 1915 is the basis. Should the treaty accepted by the Chinese government under forced circumstances be regarded as a sacred treaty?"

Gu Weijun was young, good at English, and elegant in appearance and conversation. His words refuted Wilson's opinion, but Wilson immediately refuted: "Representative Gu's words are not entirely true. In the issue between China and Japan in 1915, China could be said to be oppressed, but in September 1918 the Allied Powers were already at an absolute advantage. Intimidating China by force, why does China have the word "agree" on the exchange of letters? Gu Weijun replied: "The situation at that time was also very special, because Japan refused to withdraw its troops in Shandong, the local area was harassed, and the people were extremely angry. The Chinese government at that time recognized the signing of the renewal contract in order to avoid stirring up trouble. May I ask the two major powers of Britain and France? Under what circumstances did you sign this treaty with Japan?"

British Prime Minister Lloyd George said apologetically: "When Britain signed the secret treaty with Japan, the situation in the east of the Mediterranean was extremely tense. At this time, Britain had to rely on Japan's assistance, so it signed this secret treaty. Thinking about it now, it was paid at that time." The price for Japan seems high, but the treaty has been signed and must be kept!" Lloyd George's words have two meanings. First, like China, Britain and Japan were forced to sign the secret agreement on the Shandong issue; Wilson explained: "The United States and European countries are not unwilling to uphold justice, but they have been bound by previous treaties, so they cannot help China's situation. Fortunately, the League of Nations is about to be established. Yes, members of the League of Nations have an obligation to assist China."

Lloyd George also said: "I can tell China clearly that all countries in the world have a good impression of China, and they are currently bound by the treaty and are powerless. If the scope of Japan's goals for China exceeds the previous German rights in Shandong, Britain will have nothing to do." It is an obligation to support Japan. If Japan bullies China again in the future, I would like to assure you that Britain will definitely support China!" The chairman of the Big Three meeting, French Prime Minister Clemenceau, also expressed his attitude, roughly the same as that of Lloyd George.Although the Chinese representative fought hard, he failed sadly under the topic of "sacred treaty" and withdrew from the venue.

On April 22, 8, when Gu Weijun had a verbal battle with the three giants of the United States, Britain, and France, Lu Zhengxiang, the chief representative of our country, also sent a telegram to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "This afternoon, I was invited to attend the meeting in the name of the four leaders. Xiang and his envoys went there. The US President, the British Prime Minister, and the French Prime Minister were all present, but the Italian Prime Minister was absent. The US President first said: 'The Japanese representative wants to include the Jiaozhou issue in the draft agreement. There is a special article, which will be addressed yesterday, and this morning, there was a strong dispute in the meeting of the four countries. Now the issue is really complicated. China and Japan both exchanged notes on the treaty in May 1915, and also in 1918. The contract was renewed in September, and Britain, France and other countries have also agreed with Japan to maintain the obligation to continue Germany's rights in Shandong. This war is to maintain the sanctity of the treaty. "And so on. Xiang immediately asked Gu Shi to reply in English , generally speaking: "The 1915 agreement was formed under the pressure of Japan's mourning Medon book. At that time, in order to preserve the peace of East Asia, it had to be tolerated. The 1918 agreement came according to the previous agreement." ’ etc. The President of the United States said: ‘In September 1918, the Allied Forces were in great strength and the armistice was imminent. Japan would never force China again, so why did it “agree” to make a treaty with it? (referring to the exchange of letters on the Shandong issue )' Gu Shi replied, "At that time, the Japanese army in Shandong did not retreat, but also set up a Civil Affairs Bureau and taxed the police, so the local area was disturbed and very angry. The government was deeply afraid of causing troubles, so there was another incident. The treaty is also only temporary in nature. In my opinion, all the agreements between Britain and Japan have occurred due to the war. Of course, there can be changes in this meeting. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said: "The terms of the agreement between Britain and Japan At that time, the national navy was concentrated in the west, and the eastern Mediterranean was empty. The Germans resumed the submarine strategy and had to rely on Japanese assistance. We also know that the price promised to Japan at that time was a bit high, but since the agreement was made first, we could not do it. Waste paper. This victory cannot be said to be the strength of Japan’s participation, but Japan has assisted the war with its strength, and the fact cannot be dismissed. It is proposed to divide the Jiaozhou issue into two methods: 1. Add the evidence of the Sino-Japanese agreement. 1. Let Japan inherit the rights of Germany. China is in the two laws. Which one is the wish?' The envoy Gu stated all the disadvantages in detail. The British Prime Minister asked for a two-level answer to the inquiry. The envoy told: "Before answering, it should be stated first, As far as comparison is concerned, Germany did not have the rights of the military and police on the railways. However, even if Japan only inherits Germany’s rights, the danger is beyond name. For this reason, I am careful not to mistakenly think that China still has sympathy for Germany. The Prime Minister of France said: "This is something to worry about." Gu Shi continued: "Most people in China think that they should cooperate with Europe, the United States, and Japan, but it is not uncommon for some people to think that this issue should be handled by Asia. Take care of yourself and support Japan alone. It would be a real disappointment if there is no fair proposition in this meeting.” The US President said: “It’s not that Europe and the United States do not want to uphold justice. The League of Nations was established. The purpose of this association is to maintain the independence and territorial integrity of all countries. China is already a member. If there is any strong bullying of China in the future, all countries in the association have the obligation to help.' Gu said: "Instead of treating the disease after the onset, how can we prevent it before the disease is not?" The Prime Minister also said: "I have repeatedly asked about two methods. Among the comparisons, which one is more beneficial, it can't be solved within a few minutes. I will then discuss it with you. Contact with experts.’ The President of the United States also said: ‘Let the experts study again.’ The British Prime Minister also said: ‘Today I can make a clear announcementChina, and most countries in the world have more feelings for China, but they are currently bound by conditions, so there is nothing to do.However, if Japan asks for more from China than Germany has, Britain has no obligation to maintain Japan. If Japan bullies China in the future, Britain will be willing to help China. The French Prime Minister said: "What the British Prime Minister said is completely my intention." ' and so on.Then scattered.Both laws proposed by Prime Minister Cha Ying disappointed me.On the one hand, the US president seems to be hesitating, and he has no good way to deal with it.On the one hand, we plan to try our best to contact experts from Britain, the United States, and France, and on the other hand, we will try our best to hold on to the United States.As a last resort, we will try our best to prevent the Jiaozhou issue from being included in the draft agreement, but still include all the rights of Germany outside its own territory, which should be handed over to the five countries for temporary management, but none of them have any Grasp it, join Xianmida, and beg for instruction. "

After the Chinese delegation received the resolution on the Shandong issue by the three giants of the United States, Britain, and France, it immediately lodged a formal protest. The text of the protest is as follows: "According to the occupation of Shandong rights by the Germans, it began in 1897. At that time, the Prussian warriors forced China to give it up under the pretext of minor incidents. It was obviously a means of invasion. The Chinese have never forgotten this shame. Transferring this right to Japan is to admit that the method of invasion is justified. Besides, Japan is already rampant in southern Manchuria and eastern Mongolia. If Shandong is now owned by Japan, Japan can use the waterway exported from Beijing, that is, Zhili Bay. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait are consolidated because of their status. And they can dominate the three major routes directly to Beijing. From now on, Beijing will be surrounded by Japanese forces. Isn’t it also a big fear? China declared war on Germany and Austria in 1917 and joined the alliance. All the treaties signed between China and Germany and Austria will be cancelled, but the rights of Germany will of course be returned to China. Moreover, China's declaration of war was officially recognized by the governments of the countries in the previous agreement and common war, and the meeting of the three major powers now resolves the Jiaozhou and Shandong issues. Instead, the rights previously belonged to the Germans were transferred to Japan. This shows that the rights transferred to Japan by the General Assembly are not owned by the Germans today, but are purely Chinese rights. Moreover, China is also a part of the agreement and is not an enemy country. , China is cowardly in the treaty, but it can never be treated as an enemy country. For those who enter, Shandong is the holy land of China, and the teachings of Confucius and Mencius are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. We Chinese regard Shandong as the birthplace of culture, so how can we take it lightly? Giving it up to outsiders? As for the meeting of the three major powers, since it was intended to return the land to China, why the first step is to transfer the land to a foreign country, and then the country will voluntarily return the land to the original owner? I don’t know about such overlapping procedures What is the basis? The representative and others knew that Japan’s request was based on the Sino-Japanese Treaty in 1915 and the exchange of documents in 1918. However, in 1915, China signed the contract because it was a powerful power Forced, the world should recall Japan’s mournful Metten Letter, forcing China to recognize the 21 requirements, otherwise the war will be established in East Asia. The exchange of documents in 1918 was because Japan allowed the withdrawal of Japanese soldiers in the interior of Shandong. And cancel the Civil Affairs Bureau, representatives and others also know that the three major powers agreed on such a settlement. It is because Britain and France allowed Japan to help them win the rights of the Germans in Shandong on February 3, 1915 at the peace conference. However, at that time, the two sides concluded these secret treaties, but China did not join. Later, the Allied Powers urged China to join the war, but they did not announce the contents of the secret treaty in advance. And after China joined the treaty, until today the war ended and the peace treaty was concluded, China turned against it How can the negotiating goods and compensatory products of the major powers be worth it? It may be said that the recognition of Japan's request by the Great Conference is to preserve the international alliance. Doesn't China know that China has sacrificed for this? To order a strong Japan to give up its demands (the starting point of its demands is to invade the land.) and instead order a weak China to sacrifice its sovereignty? Representatives and others dared to say: This kind of solution, no matter who proposes it, the Chinese people If you hear it, you will be disappointed and angry. When Italy broke with Fiume, the big meeting insisted on it to the end, but when China raised the Shandong issue, did the major countries show any sympathy? You must know that the Shandong issue is about 400 million people. The happiness of the future, as well as the peace and interests of the Far East, all depend on this.”

In the 8th year of the Republic of China, US President Wilson returned to China after participating in the Paris Peace Conference in Paris. He came full of ideals, but returned with infinite disappointment. At that time, there was a wave of opposition to the Paris Peace Conference in the United States. Ratified the Paris Peace Treaty, but also refused to join the League of Nations, so the United States withdrew from international affairs.The international situation at that time showed that: (1) The Paris Peace Conference failed. Without another international conference, an international stalemate would have formed, which would inevitably make many problems unresolved. (2) The United States is isolated internationally, especially because the United States opposes Japan's monopoly and priority in China.Japan thus became the main enemy of the United States in the Far East.The call for a war between the United States and Japan was suddenly in full swing. (3) The rise of Japan in Southeast Asia is due to the gift of the Anglo-Japanese alliance. The third Anglo-Japanese alliance should expire in the ninth year of the Republic of China (1920). Japan sent Crown Prince Hirohito to visit the UK mainly for the sake of Activities Japan and Britain continued the alliance. At that time, Britain was willing to accept it in order to preserve its vested interests in China and India.However, the United States strongly opposed it, and the British colonial governments were opposed to Japan economically and politically, so they opposed the continuation of this alliance. (4) During the European War, Japan took advantage of the powerlessness of the big powers to look east, so it wanted to devour the mainland of China, and at the same time undermine China's independence and equal opportunities. After the war, Japan used the Paris Peace Conference to obtain preferential treatment from the Shandong Peninsula, which caused international tension and anxiety. , if it cannot be properly adjusted, it will inevitably lead to a new war. (5) Due to mutual distrust, the United States, Britain, and Japan started a naval competition. (6) The United States became the richest and most powerful country in the world, improving the world situation and old international relations. The United States has changed from a debtor country before World War I (owing 3.6 billion U.S. dollars to European countries) to a creditor's right after the war countries (European countries owe the US $16.82 billion).