893.00/7941: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 15—7:20 a.m.]
615. Following from American consul general at Shanghai:
“December 14, 4 p.m. Fifteen hundred men being the vanguard Southern forces have invaded Chekiang from Kiangsi and are advancing unopposed on Hangchow. Declaration of independence of Chekiang momentarily expected. If it is accompanied by expulsion of Southern[ers], it is believed Sun Ch’uan-fang will acquiesce; otherwise, Sun expected to move loyal forces into Chekiang to meet Southern [forces]. His forces on Chekiang border rapidly being strengthened.”
It is understood that Southern Nationalists will not assent to making Chekiang a buffer region but are determined to occupy it.