793.94/2767: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Forbes) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 19—9:50 a.m.]
224. The Minister of Foreign Affairs informed me that all yesterday he had understood that General Ma had agreed to the proposal of the Japanese, namely, to withdraw his forces to Tsitsihar, return those drawn in from other posts and not impede the operation of the railroad which when done the Japanese would immediately withdraw. He stated their position was such that with the Chinese threatening they were unable to withdraw in safety from their present positions. General Ma had informed the authorities in Harbin that he had accepted the Japanese terms and had despatched a messenger, expected to arrive yesterday morning, with his acceptance. Contrary to expectation the message was not an acceptance. This morning the Chinese launched a heavy attack and the situation was very disturbed. The Assistant Chief of Staff has been despatched with instructions that whatever the outcome of battle the Japanese armies are immediately to withdraw and under no circumstances to occupy Tsitsihar. He thinks this situation will clear itself within 3 or 4 days and stated positively that the additional division had not yet been sent.
He described the departure of the young Emperor as wholly on his own initiative and due to fears for the safety of his life which has been repeatedly threatened in Tientsin until he could not sleep. He was not assisted by the Japanese troops or civil authorities in this move but is now being “protected” by them at some resort in Manchuria, one feature of the “protection” being that he is not allowed to communicate with the various defense committees. Baron Shidehara characterized him as weak, inexperienced, and stated that neither the Japanese civil or military authorities would favor his assuming the position of Emperor. He added that in the character of simple “Mr. Pu-yi” he might be selected by members of the defense committees as a sort of general chairman at some later period. The Baron further stated that he and the military authorities had been in entire accord.