Office of the Historian

793.94/2744: Telegram

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

Peiping, November 18, 1931—3 p.m.
[Received November 18—6 a.m.]

956. Young Marshal’s office has received telegram from General Ma that large Japanese forces with six bombing planes attacked shortly after 4 a.m. today, that Chinese were being hard pressed and that he considered his position very serious.

My informant added that Japanese were evidently carrying out their threat to wipe out Ma’s troops.

Repeated to Nanking and commander in chief.

For the Minister:
Engert