The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-03-23
Wilson Explains Attitude of
Government Toward
China
POLICY NOT YET
FULLY ANNOUNCED
President Reviews Action in Regard
to Chinese Loan-Thinks Govern
ment Can Accomplish More
as Disinterested Friend

Washington, March 22--President Will
sons recent statement withdrawing the
aid of this government from what was
pcpularly known as 1.-THE six power loan,"
does not mean the retirement of the
United States from participation in far
eastern diplomacy.
The President today talked about China
informally with some of his callers.
among them George Bronson Rea, tech
nical secretary of the railway commits
sional government to construct 1000 miles
of trunk railways In China.
Mr.. Rea explained to the President that
without the aid of the United States gov
ernment. American capital had been en-
listed in the railway enterprise. but that
it was desirable TO know how far the
United States would go in protecting
what Mr.. Rea termed honorable con-
tracts between American business men
and the government Independent of po-
litical connection.
To Study Question
The President asked Mr.. Rea to pre-
pare and submit to him a memorandum
and promised to study the question very
carefully. Mr. Rea pointed out that the
objectionable features of the six power
loan project to which China herself had
objected, were those which concerned
the internal administration of China,
and that his relations with Sun Vat Sen
and the Chinese republic we're such that
he knew the action of President Wilson
had met with approval in China.
Mr.. Wilson indicated that the develop
trent of the administrator policy TO-
ward China would be gradual and well
measured. That there was no intention
of withdrawing the potential influence
for protection which this government has
exerted in respect to China, and that
the Wilson administration would make
vigorous effort to promote American trade
interests In the Orient, was the impress
sion gathered by some of the President:
callers.
TIE President viewpoint II was said
vas chat the tinted States would bt
/ In a far better position TO help preserve
the integrity of China by remaining out.
side Of any particular agreement which
might have for their object voice ir
China's political future than by actual
participation.
A Disinterested Friend
The Wilson administration thinks It car
carry more favor with China and be oil
more actual service as a dsnterested
friend than as an ambitious partner In
any loan agreement which by It's terms
might bind the United States to future
programmes of the powers with respect
to China.
The policy of the United States has
been but partially announced this govern
nent thus far having given expression
merely to its aversion to the idea of in
terferlng with China's internal affairs.
That a pronouncement soon might he
made by President Wilson setting forth
the hopes of this government for a share
in the commerce of the new republic
through what is believed more legitimate
means, is hinted at in official circles.
OF special significance al this time is
the definite statement that President
Wilson is earnestly seeking. John r. Mott.
one of the prominent International secre-
taries of the Young Mems Christian as
sociation. to take the post of minister to
China It is suggested in official circles
that the administration recognizes the
influence which American missions and
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(COntfnued on Paae Tcn1