793.94/1857: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 24—6:38 a.m.]
640. Reuter report from Nanking, 23d:
“Government spokesman here characterizes as groundless reports from Tokyo that China had proposed a joint Sino-Japanese commission to investigate the Manchurian affair and Mr. Yoshizawa’s similar allegation at Geneva.
This afternoon Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang telegraphed to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek denying reports of Soviet troop movements on the border but adding that the Soviet Consul at Harbin had made representations to Japanese Consul there that Japanese military movements were hindering operation of Chinese Eastern Railway.
News of League’s action regarding Manchuria was very welcome here and had calming effect where anti-Japanese feeling was threatening to get out of hand. Mass meeting here this morning of 100,000 people demanded that Government should immediately mobilize.
Japanese community here was evacuated to Shanghai this morning.”