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

893.00/7334: Telegram

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

Peking , April 19, 1926—6 p.m.
[Received April 20—4 a.m.]

185. My 178, April 15, 8 p.m. and 177, April 15, 2 p.m.

1. Metropolitan area has been entirely evacuated by the First Kuominchun since the 16th, these forces having retreated on Nankow with little loss in men and munitions. The Ninth Division under General Tang Chih-tao, originally part of the Fengtien armies from which it deserted, refused to withdraw with the Kuominchun and entered Peking, imposing itself upon the committee of safety as part of the local police force. It is currently reported that the Fengtien forces are pursuing the First Kuominchun with the object of destroying them or at least securing the greater part of the Peking-Suiyuan Railway.

2. There appears to be increasing friction between the Ninth Division and the Fengtien troops encamped around and outside the city, many of whom are beginning to trickle in in small groups. It is understood that entrance into Peking of Chang Hsueh-liang and other Fengtien leaders awaits settlement of the status of the Ninth Division.

3. Tuan Chi-jui having emerged from hiding has resumed office as has the Cabinet its functions. Tuan has issued mandate which states in essence that he is ready to retire as soon as leaders of the country so decide. It is generally considered that his tenure of office is apt to be of short duration.

4. Jealousies in respect of appointments to administrative positions in Peking have already appeared as between Chang and Wu factions, these appointments being made apparently without any regard to Tuan although technically there is again a government here; practically the situation remains as confused as before.

5. Train service with Tientsin was partially resumed on the 17th.

6. Please repeat to War and Navy Departments at the request of respective attachés.

7. Repeated to Tokyo by mail.

MacMurray