Provincial Assembly Protests Tsinanfu, Jan, 22.
A large number of Chinese who oppose any direct negotiation between China and Japan on the Shantung question have telegraphed to the Peking government urging that there be no Sino-Japanese pourparlers, and that as China did not sign the German peace treaty, Japan may occupy Kiaochou with her military and naval forces as long as she pleases. This telegram was headed by the Provincial Assembly of Shantung and was drawn up by Mr. Kung Hsiang-ko (a de-ascendant of the Sage Confucius) who visited Paris last year as a re. presentative of the 30,000,000 people of Shantung province. According to Mr. Kung, German rights in Kiaochou ceased to exist on the day of China's declaration of war on the Central Powers of Europe so! that Japan has nothing to inherit there at all. But opinions among Chinese officials, who hold responsible and trusted positions. differ entirely from this. They are generally of the opinion that, in view of domestic and international conditions and Japan's request for negotiation about the "return of Kiaochou," it may prove advantageous to both Japan and China to settle the question between the two neighbouring countries as soon as possible. otherwise there will be date for the restoration of Kiaochou to China.
To pacify the Shantung people, the Civil Governor. Mr. Chu, this morning transmitted a copy of an official telegram from the Cabinet to the Provincial Assembly, saying that the Chinese peace delegates are expected hack in Peking in a couple of days and nothing can he decided until the President and Premier have heard their personal reports.
The officials have been instructed to protect Japanese in Shantunz, while the people have been cautioned against the danger of listening to rumours.
The Japanese consul-general has left here for Peking probably in connexion with the Shantung negotiations. A Shantung deputation is leaving Tsinan this evening for Peking to get into touch with the Government. In order prevent disturbances, armed police and guards have been increased in the streets. The "reception" pre-nared by the Chinese students for the peace delegation has been suppressed by Gen. Tien who threatens to bring to court-martial anybody who makes trouble, as the rail-jon as Tsinan is still_unmilitary law.—Asiatie News Agency.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.