“The Government of the Republic of China mentions that loss of life of Chinese citizens has occurred as the results of the present method of war.  The Imperial German Government wishes to point out that the Government of the Republic of China has never communicated with the Imperial Government regarding a single case of this kind nor has it protested in this connexion before.  According to reports received by the Imperial Government, such losses as have been actually sustained by Chinese subjects have occurred in the firing line while they were engaged in digging trenches and in other war services.  While thus engaged, they were exposed to the dangers inevitable to all forces engaged in war.  The fact that Germany has on several occasions protested against the employment of Chinese citizens for warlike purpose is evident that the Imperial Government has given excellent proof of its friendly feelings toward China.  In consideration of these friendly relations the Imperial Government is willing to treat the matter as if the threat had never been uttered.  It is reasonable for the Imperial Government to expect that the Government of the Republic of China will revise its views respecting the question.

“Germany’s enemies were the first to declare a blockade on Germany and the same is being persistently carried out.  It is therefore difficult for Germany to cancel her blockade policy.  The Imperial Government is nevertheless willing to comply with the wishes of the Government of the Republic of China by opening negotiations to arrive at a plan for the protection of Chinese life and property, with the view that the end may be achieved and thereby the utmost regard be given to the shipping rights of China.  The reason which has prompted the Imperial Government to adopt this conciliatory policy is the knowledge that, once diplomatic relations are severed with Germany, China will not only lose a truly good friend but will also be entangled in unthinkable difficulties.”

In forwarding to Your Excellency the above instructions from my home Government, I beg also to state that—­if the Government of China be willing—­I am empowered to open negotiations for the protection of the shipping rights of China.

I have the honour to be. ... (Signed by the German Minister.) March 10, 1917.

With a Parliamentary endorsement behind them there remained nothing for the Peking Government but to take the vital step of severing diplomatic relations.  Certain details remained to be settled but these were expeditiously handled.  Consequently, without any further discussion, at noon on the 14th March the German Minister was handed his passports, with the following covering dispatch from the Chinese Foreign Office.  It is worthy of record that in the interval between the Chinese Note of the 9th February and the German reply of the 10th March the French mail-steamer Athos had been torpedoed in the Mediterranean and five hundred Chinese labourers proceeding to France on board her drowned.