Kai Fu Shah

Kai Fu Shah, also known as Xia Xiefu, came to Washington with experience in consular work, overseas education, and provincial administration. His earlier posts included supervising Chinese students in Japan, serving as consul in New York, and directing the Tianjin mint. He was appointed minister to the United States and Cuba in 1913. After returning to China in 1915, he held positions in banking and industrial enterprises, including the Hanyeping coal and iron company. ¹

On September 15, 1914, Shah and Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan signed a treaty establishing a permanent commission to investigate disputes that ordinary diplomacy could not resolve. Each country undertook to refrain from hostilities while the commission investigated. The agreement formed part of Bryan's effort to make investigation and delay a practical means of preventing war. ²

Shah also sought American assistance for Chinese communities beyond the United States. In July 1915 he reported that soldiers and civilians had looted Chinese homes and businesses in Cananea, Mexico. He asked the State Department to arrange for the nearest American consul to use his good offices to protect the community. ³