New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-03-23
No Definite Decision Reached
as to Attitude of AdminiStra.
ton Toward China.
WANTS TO PROMOTE TRADE
President Determined, How
ever, Not to Restrict American
Governments Freedom to
Act Independently.
From The Tribune Bureau. !

Washington. March 22.-The President
made il clear in a heart-to-heart talk with
the newspaper men this afternoon that he
has not yet decided on a definite policy
toward China, but rather is earnestly
studying the situation and gathering all
available information on the subject. He
is, however, determined not TO bind the
government by any international agree
ments affecting the financial troubles of
China or to back any business projects in
such way rs 10 leave the United States
without freedom to act independently if
necessary.
George Bronson Rea. confidential ad-
wiser of sun Yat-sen and technical secre-
tary of the Chinese Railway Commission
which is arranging for 1900 miles Of
trunk line railways in China. conferred
with President Wilson to-day and in
formed him that American capital would
be represented in the railway project lie
declared he knew that President Wilson 5
attitude toward the Chinese loan met with
the approval Of the Chinese provisional
government which had complained
against just those features of the pro-
posed loan which Nh Wilson found OBJ
jectionable
The principal object of Mr.. Reas mis-
sion was TO ascertain. if possible the ad-
Ininistration's policy toward business en-
terprises in China by American capital
lists. independent of government aid. but
he was told That a definite policy had not
Net been determined upon.
The President asked Mr.. Rea TO prepare
and submit TO him a memorandum and
promised to study the question very care
fully.
Mr. Wilson indicated that the develop
ment of the administrations policy toward
China would be gradual and we'll meas
ured That there was no intention Of
Withdrawing the potential influence for
protection which this government has eX-
ertcd in respect of China and that the
Wilson administration would make a Wig
orous effort TO promote American trade
interests in the Orient was the impression
gathered by some OF the Presidents call
ers.
The Presidents point of view, il was
said. was that the United States would be
in a far better position TO help preserve
the integrity of China by remaining out
side of any particular agreements which
might have for their object voice in
Chinas political future than by actual
participation.
The administration thinks that it can
win more favor with China and be OF
moro actual service as a disnterested
friend than as an ambitious partner in
any loan agreement. which, by it's terms,
might bind the United States to future
N programmes of the powers with respect
10 China.
That a pronouncement may be made
by President Wilson setting forth the
hopes of this government for a share in
the trade and commerce of the new re-
public. through what it believes more
legitimate means, is limited at in official
circles.
OF especial significance at this time is
the definite statement that President Will
son is earnestly seeking 10 induce John
r. Mott. one OF the prominent interna-
tonal secretaries of the Young Mems
Christian Association, 10 take the post of
Minister to China 1t is suggested In Of
fetal circles that the administration
recognizes the influence which American
missions and religious institutions have
had in the regeneration Of China. and be-
iieves Mr. Mott could be an important
factor in the harmonious discharge of
tho best views of the mission world with
respect TO Chns, and the Washington
administration as well.
With the acceptance by DR.. Mott and
perhaps supplementary statement on
the American attitude toward securing
trade development in the Orient. IT is be-
lieved the climax Of the Chinese situation
would be formal recognition by this gov
crnment Of the Chinese Republic.
a cable dispatch from The Tribune