Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1926, Volume I

893.00/7229: Telegram

Peking , March 26, 1926—7 p.m.
[Received March 26—9:35 a.m.]

153. My number 147, March 24, 3 p.m.

1.: Information just received from British military attaché is to the effect that Li Ching-lin’s forces have advanced from Tientsin and that fighting between them and the Kuominchun is now in progress at Hwangtsun, some 10 miles south from Peking.
2.: I have just been informed by Lu Chung-lin that the First Kuominchun has established line of defense around Peking and that any attempt on the part of the enemy to penetrate the line will be resisted. Lu states he will hold Peking until its fate shall have been determined by peace negotiations. He announces ultimate intention to retire from the capital but assures me he will not do so precipitately, and he undertakes responsibility for peace and order.
3.: Eight well-known ex-officials of high standing have been endeavoring to mediate between the contending factions. Lu’s messenger assured me Kuominchun leaders and Chang Tso-lin had indicated willingness to accept this mediation but Wu Pei-fu had not. The messenger stated Wu was fully occupied in Hupeh and Honan and would be unable to conduct an offensive against the Kuominchun.
4.: Please repeat to War and Navy Departments.

MacMurray