Office of the Historian

893.00/6730: Telegram

The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State

Peking, November 5, 1925—5 p.m.
[Received November 5—10:28 a.m.]

475. My 448, October 17, 5 p.m.

1.
It is reported that negotiations between representatives of Chang Tso-lin and Feng Yu-hsiang for peaceful division of power have failed. Chang now appears to be confronted by three leading antagonists, Feng, Wu Pei-fu, and Sun Chuan-fang. Also reported that Tuan will side with Feng against Chang.
2.
Feng’s troops are mobilizing and 30,000 reported moving towards Peking; 5,000 Russian troops reported to be near Kalgan cooperating with Feng and two additional Red divisions entering Mongolia from Chita.
3.
Chang has concentrated 50,000 troops near Jehol and 70,000 near Tientsin with more constantly entering through Shanhaikuan. Reported that Chang’s forces include 1,500 Japanese and 1,200 White Russians in China uniform.
4.
Early conflict in Jehol area and between Peking and Tientsin not unlikely.
5.
Chang’s representative Ou Tsing (see Legation’s despatch 2767, February 12th)35 called on me November 4th and predicted probable necessity for Chang to fight both Wu and Feng. He stated Chang is entirely confident of success in such a conflict, claiming total 400,000 men with rifles. Chang’s representative conveyed very confidential offer from Chang to assist the powers to reach a reasonable agreement with the Chinese Government in tariff matters in case the Government’s demands are excessive and also offered assistance in [Page 617] protecting foreign interests generally. Chang evidently continues to desire to be accepted as champion of foreign powers against Nationalist extremists.
6.
Information and views herein regarding military matters are based on reports from military attaché.

please communicate to War and Navy Departments.

MacMurray
  1. Not printed.↩