793.94/2528: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, November 8, 1931—11
a.m.
[Received November 8—6:40 a.m.]
[Received November 8—6:40 a.m.]
888. Following from American Consul General at Harbin:
“November 7, 11 a.m.
- 1.
- Secretary of Heilungkiang Provincial Government Chao informed me late last night that joint attack of Chang’s troops of about 3,000 regulars and 3,000 brigands and Japanese of about 1,000 with 2 armored trains increased strongly between 10 and 11 a.m. yesterday and that after severe fighting in which Japanese aeroplanes participated, Ma’s troops retreated from first line of defense through Tashing to second line of defense, passing Sanchienfang 10 miles north of first line. He added that the next line of defense is along the Chinese Eastern Railway. However, while I was in Tsitsihar city, November 1st, I was informed that the third line ran much closer to that city.
- 2.
- Other reliable Chinese reports indicate that General Ma’s troops at first successfully resisted Chang’s troops whose retreat was checked by Japanese reinforcements.
- 3.
- There is no doubt in my opinion that the Japanese military leaders are determined to drive Ma from and set up a government favorable to them at Tsitsihar. To reach that city, the Japanese-supported Chinese troops must cross the tracks of the Chinese Eastern Railway. Here they may meet with resistance on the part of the Chinese Eastern Railway guards, whose movements were reported in my telegram of November 6, 6 p.m., and whose commander, Ting Chao, is determined to resist encroachments on the Chinese Eastern Railway at all costs. This might cause complications with the Soviet Union.”
Repeated to Shanghai.
For the Minister:
Engert