793.94/2910: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 26—8:55 a.m.]
1010. The Consul General at Mukden on November 25, 2 p.m., reports as follows:
Every indication points to an early drive by the Japanese against Chinchow for the purpose of encompassing the total diminution of Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang’s power and the Nanking Government’s influence in Manchuria. Preliminary moves are now under way to create the usual Japanese influence. Japanese military occupation of strategic centers will insure domination by Japan of the whole region and will enable Tokyo to await patiently and confidently China’s acceptance of Japan’s demands. With a free field, the Japanese efforts to establish and consolidate independent regimes will be strengthened; these independent movements are not spontaneous but fostered; and an autonomous Manchuria under the influence and protection of Japan seems extremely probable. The armed forces of these independent regimes are totally inadequate in the face of rampant banditry now in existence (restrictions on formation of such forces are being placed by the Japanese), so that Japan has a reasonable though self-imposed [Page 570] pretext to continue military occupation of Manchuria pending a settlement of the situation to Japan’s satisfaction.