793.94/2502: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
878. Following from Consul General Mukden, November 5, 5 p.m.:
“Japanese headquarters this morning released a message regarding fighting with Ma Chan-shan’s forces which is substantially as follows:
‘Japanese forces crossed Nonni on ferry, found two more bridges farther north destroyed and northward still a third damaged, at which place they were approached by Chinese with a flag of truce when suddenly fired upon from all sides by artillery, machine guns, and rifles, killing 3 Japanese and wounding others. Fighting was still in progress last night, Japanese forces reported to be in a difficult position with estimated 5,000 Chinese supported by artillery occupying surrounding hills. Bridges stated to be 30 and 35 miles south of Angangki at Chiangchiao Station and within 10-kilometre zone. Japanese allege intercepting a telegram from Ma to Marshal Chang [which?] reports the repulse of small Japanese detachment and boasting that he will paint all Manchuria red with the blood of Japanese troops.[’]
Information from another Japanese source indicates Japanese dead 15, troops engaged 500, Japanese forces pushed on to Tahsin, then retired south of Nonni where they are awaiting reinforcement of two infantry battalions coming from Kirin. Fighting was preceded by parley between Japanese officers and Ma who gave assurance that Japanese repairing operations would not be interfered with.”
Repeated to Shanghai.
- Telegram in two sections.↩