Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1931, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/2645: Telegram

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

[Paraphrase]

Peiping, November 13, 1931—noon.
[Received November 13—6:18 a.m.]

925. The Consul General at Mukden telegraphed on November 12, 2 p.m., as follows:

(1) Rumors are persistent here of an imminent attempt at Mukden to make Pu-yi Emperor. Credence is given the reports by the manufacture locally of imperial dragon flags and by Japanese consular confirmation of the departure of Pu-yi from Tientsin. The Japanese Consul General at Mukden has informed the American Consulate General that the Japanese Government disapproves of the movement and is certain that it is doomed to failure even if it is temporarily successful.

(2) The Japanese Consul General at Mukden stated definitely that Japanese troops would not be evacuated by November 16. Concerning action by the League of Nations, he told Consul Vincent confidentially that he had advised his Government to ask the League to dispatch investigators to Manchuria.

(3) The Japanese Consul General said his Government had ordered Japanese troops not to advance northward from the Nonni River. He admitted the danger that irresponsible elements might cause a renewal of conflict, as opposing forces were facing one another, and he said the Japanese Consul at Tsitsihar had asked General Ma to remove his defense line to the north side of the bridge. A report by mail follows.

The foregoing repeated to the Consul General at Nanking.

For the Minister:

Engert