Peking, May 19.
The despatch containing the reply of the Chinese Government to Mr. Obata's request for the opening of direct negotiations regarding Shantung will be forwarded to the Japanese Legation to-morrow. Tha reply acknowledges the receipt of the Japanese communication and expresses pleasure at the statement that Japan intends to restore Kiaochou to China, adding that there is no need to negotiate.
The foregoing decision of the Cabinet represents a triumph for Chin Yun-peng as this is the course of action he advocated in opposition to the Anfuites who wished to add a clause, making it possible to open negotiations later.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.