893.00/5500: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Bell) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 8—3:50 a.m.]
330. My 325, September 6, 12 noon. Following from American consul Mukden:
“September 7, 3 p.m. Marshal Chang Tso-lin called together consuls at Mukden 11 a.m. today and stated as Chihli advance troops are within 10 li of Shanhaikwan, mobilization will be immediately ordered in the Three Eastern Provinces. He stated that he does not wish war and will not take offensive but will probably be obliged to fight in self-defense. The rights and safety of foreigners were guaranteed. He is attempting to transmit funds to Shanghai and as the Bank of Chosen apparently refused to remit he took the matter up with the Japanese consul general. The latter stated that Bank of Chosen are [is] under the inspectors executives [sic] in Japan where there is a gold embargo and made no promise to facilitate shipment. Further information will be submitted later.”