Peking, Jan. 97.
Lu Cheng-hsiang will not resume office for the time being. He will see what policy the Government will pursue with regard to -the Shantung question, and if it is decided to open direct negotiation with Japan, he will resign the portfolio of the Foreign Office.
Most of the provinces have telegraphed to Peking, opposing direct dealing with Japan. The Southwest has also telegraphed, stating that Japan's advances should be rejected, and the question -referred to the League of Nations.
In view of the importance of the Shantung question, the Government, after ascertaining the opinions of the provinces. will hold a joint conference of the officials of the President's Office and those of the Cabinet in order to come to a decision.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.