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

893.00/7289: Telegram

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

Peking , April 10, 1926—5 p.m.
[Received April 10—12:20 p.m.]

170. My 166, April 7, noon.

1. Senior Minister has just officially circularized his colleagues to the effect that former officers of ex-President Tsao Kun had called to communicate the fact that Marshal Tuan had been placed under restraint in his residence; that Tsao Kun had been freed and would resume previous office; that General Lu Chung-lin had placed him [self?] under the command of Marshal Wu Pei-fu; and that General Chang Chih-chiang in Kalgan was in agreement with this action on the part of the Kuominchun which had originated [sic] growing discontent with Marshal Feng. Soon afterwards Senior Minister was informed by Y. L. Tong of Lu’s office who had just given the same information to this Legation that Tuan had resigned; that his bodyguard had voluntarily disbanded; that Lu was holding himself responsible for peace and order in the capital; that Marshal Wu would be invited to come to Peking; and that Tsao Kun had been freed.

2. A proclamation has been issued to [by?] General Lu, synopsis of which follows: Tuan since assuming office as Chief Executive has brought untold injury to the nation, especially in settling the gold franc question arbitrarily and in killing large numbers of students. He is detested by the people and has surrounded himself with remnants of corrupt Anfu Party. He has violated laws and stirred up wars. This army on behalf of the nation and the people cannot but employ the most drastic measures to put an end to his actions. It has restored His Excellency Tsao Kun to liberty and has telegraphed to Commander in Chief Wu Pei-fu to come to Peking at once to assume control of the whole situation. Troops and police will continue to bear responsibility for the maintenance of peace and order in Peking. The proclamation ends with a warning against the spreading of rumors and exhorts all classes to pursue customary affairs.

3. From Anfu and independent Chinese and foreign sources of highest credibility I have been informed that coup d?etat has not been entirely successful; that the combination between Wu and Kuominchun has not been effected; that Tuan’s bodyguard has taken defensive positions at his house and at the Cabinet offices and President’s Palace and that he himself took refuge in Legation Quarter midnight last night.

4. The Legation was first aware of the coup d’état early this morning when the city gates were closed and telephone service interrupted. Gates have now been opened and telephone service resumed. There are many extravagant rumors afloat. A report has even reached me from an ordinarily credible source that Marshal Feng has returned to Peking and taken charge.

5. It is too early yet to determine definitely what has actually taken place or how Chang Tso-lin, whose troops are reported to be closing in more and more on Peking, will react to the coup d’état if it has been successful.

6. All quiet in Peking.

7. American newspaper correspondents here state that their reports to the United States have been either suppressed or emasculated. Please give principal American news associations above information.

8. Please inform War and Navy Departments.

9. Repeated to Tokyo and commander in chief, Asiatic Squadron.

MacMurray