Jan, 24.
SwantTUNG aND THE Steer Assoctatioxs.
A deputation of the Union of Street Associations waited on Mr In Cheng-hsiang, Minister of Foreign Intercourse, upon his arrival, and informed him of the ceaseless efforts made by the whole nation in regard to the Shantung question, and expressed the hope that the Government would uphold the popular clamour against direct negotiation between China and Japan, as in that case all the efforts hitherto made would be made in vain.
Mr. Lu replied that as it was his duty to handle this question, hoped to receive continuously the help of the people. The deputation, having submitted a memorandum on the Shantung problem to Mr. Lu, made their departure. The memorandum was to this effect:-~
The press has reported that! Japan has proposed to open direct negotiation with China in respe: t of the Shantung question. It was only by. the protest of our whole nation and by our refusal to sign the treaty that the Powers have become more careful and hesitant Now, upon the ratification of the German Treaty, Japan has again addressed a Note to your Ministry, demanding direct" negotiations which would nullify all the exertions and appeals made by our 400,000,000 brethren for over half year. We request that the Note from the Jananese Minister be returned and that the question be referred to the League of Nations for an equitable and just decision.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.