793.94/2717: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
952. Following from Harbin.
“November 16, noon. 1. Japanese Consul, his staff and remainder Japanese residents, including Major Hayashi, who negotiated with General Ma regarding bridge, of Tsitsihar, numbering 13 persons arrived at Harbin yesterday morning.
2. Local press this morning reports minor clashes at Nonni River front yesterday in which Japanese driven back, some killed and some made prisoners. These reports confirmed by local Chinese officials, who are becoming proud of so-called ability of Tsitsihar troops, and are aiding the latter with money gifts and clothing and with words of encouragement. This elation on the part of the Chinese will cause the Japanese military to push onward to save the ‘face’ of the Japanese Army, which have been no doubt sending reinforcements to the Nonni front.
3. Ohashi returned to Harbin yesterday morning and confirmed to me ultimatum of Honjo delivered to Ma on the 15th as mentioned in my telegram November 15, 1 p.m.
Local Commissioner of Foreign Affairs stated that Ma has been requested to give an answer in regard to his willingness to comply with the terms of the ultimatum by noon today and that he expects fighting to take place this afternoon. American journalists who returned from Tsitsihar yesterday morning feel that General Ma is determined to resist Japanese attacks.
4. There is unrest among Mongols of Barga and I believe that Princes Hulantai and Ku of the Young Mongol Party are being influenced by the Japanese, not by Soviet Russians, to agitate for Barga autonomy.”
Repeated to Nanking.
- Telegram in two sections.↩