793.94/2996
The Assistant Military Attaché in Japan (Cranford) to the Adjutant General, United States Army10
No. 199. McIlroy reports Japanese military in Manchuria desires Chinese Government free of Nanking with Japanese advisers and soldiers. Also reports 13th Battalion being used against new objective. Presumably Chinchow. Korea Brigade and Hirosaki Brigade, hereafter referred to as 4th Mixed Brigade, and railway guards sent south from Mukden November 24th against bandits, but believed real object preliminary operations on Chinchow which is now confirmed. General Staff states that 4th Mixed Brigade took Tahu Shan afternoon November 27th and troops are advancing towards Chinchow; Korea Brigade and railway guards are in same direction; 2d Division moving south and concentrating in Mukden. This places main body Japanese troops within range of Chinchow. General Staff also states orders issued November 27th not to advance beyond Ta Liang River near Chinchow but cavalry and advance troops have already today crossed the river. Press reports 10 bombs dropped on Chinchow by Japanese on November 27th. Not confirmed. It is expected that major engagement will take place within a few days though General Staff still states that they have no intention of war unless Chinese advance towards them. We have repeated assurance from General Staff and foreign office no general attack against Chinchow will take place. However, the above shows that Tokyo does not control situation in Manchuria. Details Tientsin fight meager but General Staff states that Chinese Army commenced firing on Japanese noon November 26th and fighting still in progress morning November 27th. Also states situation there has appearances of war. Press reports one division going from Japan to Tientsin. Not confirmed. McIlroy suggests sending language student with this division. What do you think? Special cabinet meeting this afternoon.
- Copy of telegram transmitted to the Department by the War Department on November 28, 1931.↩