793.942/17: Telegram

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

560. My No. 557, July 21, 11 p.m.

1.
Although I have not discussed the matter with Japanese officials here, I gather from various sources that the action of Wang19 in denouncing the treaty of 189620 has caused the Japanese both surprise and indignation. As a mark of disapproval, all members of the Japanese Legation absented themselves from large reception given on the 21st by General and Madame Chiang Kai-shek to the members of the diplomatic body, their families, and others of the Peking community. Press reports from Tokyo are to the effect that, in view of the unfriendly attitude taken by Nationalist Government, Japan has issued warning to Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang21 against Manchuria joining the Nationalist Government. Japanese Legation has no official knowledge of the foregoing but is reliably quoted as expressing opinion that the report is probably correct.
2.
If as a logical consequence of their action in abrogating the treaty, the Chinese decline to meet the Japanese halfway in the matter of treaty revision and attempt specifically to apply to Japanese subjects the regulations reported in my 537, July 16, 10 [4] p.m., a serious impasse between Japan and the Nationalist Government seems probable.

Repeated to Tokyo.

MacMurray
  1. C. T. Wang, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Nationalist Government.
  2. For text of treaty, see Treaties and Agreements With and Concerning China, 1894–1919, vol. i, p. 68.
  3. Son of Chang Tso-lin, successor to his father in the control of Manchuria.