793.94/1827: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, September 22, 1931—3
p.m.
[Received September 22—10:25 a.m.]
[Received September 22—10:25 a.m.]
624. Following from Consul General, Nanking:
“September 21, 4 p.m.
- 1.
- In conversations with Hsu Mo and Tyau of the Foreign Office September 21, 3 p.m., I have learned following interesting rumors: [Page 27] Reported from the United States that the Secretary of State has been following Manchurian situation closely and has stated that at time of speaking Kellogg Pact was not involved. This report was given me by a Chinese as being refusal of the United States to intervene against Japan. Second rumor is that at least 24 hours before Japanese action at Mukden the Japanese Government inquired of important Governments, notably Great Britain and the United States, whether they would consent to such action by Japan, the answer being in the affirmative, but that Japan must not push action too far. Third rumor is that Russia has concentrated 30,000 troops near Manchouli.
- 2.
- I urged on Hsu Mo the desirability of my being kept fully informed so that I might in turn keep the Department of State fully cognizant of the changing situation. Apparently in response to this Hsu Mo told me Karakhan32 had inquired of Mo Te-hui33 in Moscow regarding course of controversy with Japan, and the Chinese Foreign Office had replied giving desired information. Answering my question Hsu said that Karakhan indicated no sympathy for China in the dispute nor any intention of safeguarding by military force Russian interests in Manchuria if or when threatened by Japan.
- 3.
- Central Party Headquarters of the Nationalist Party has declared September 23rd day of humiliation for Japan’s recent actions. There is a feeling here that if the Western Powers maintain an attitude of detachment in this controversy the Nationalist Party, the Chinese Government, and the people of China may seek Russian alliance with far-reaching results.”
Johnson