793.94/2682: Telegram

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

939. Following from Mukden.

“November 14, 8 a.m. 1. Kwantung army headquarters report minor clash on Nonni-Angangki front between Japanese outpost and Chinese cavalry. Four Japanese killed and one captured.

2. General Honjo yesterday informed Bess of the United Press that he intends to open railway through to Tsitsihar and keep it open. Described Nonni situation as regional station [situation?] and said that continuation of outside reinforcements and assistance, presumably Soviet, could not but aggravate the situation. Declared that Anganki situation and prevalence of banditry made withdrawal of troops an impossibility and stated that the Japanese were determined to make Manchuria law abiding. Accomplishment of this might take weeks or months, and Japanese will not quit the task until it is completed. Considered the League [proposal?] of an international police force for Manchuria highly impracticable.”

Repeated Nanking.

For the Minister:
Engert