793.94/3226: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Forbes) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 17—8:25 a.m.]
270. Our Assistant Military Attaché has been informed by the General Staff that the Cabinet has approved the movement of additional troops to Manchuria and Tientsin; we estimate at 4,000 and 1,000, respectively. These to relieve the Korean brigade which is to be withdrawn “if situation permits”. A like movement of reenforcements was previously announced to have been made for the same purpose (see my telegram No. 216, November 13, 5 p.m.92). Details are being cabled to War Department.
[Paraphrase.] The report is that the military now feel much stronger than prior to the Cabinet change. Assistant Military Attaché Cranford was informed by a representative of the General Staff in substance that he believed it to be best to take Chinchow in order to relieve the bandit situation, as the bandits are supplied by and connected with Chinchow; but he hoped the bandits could be frightened off by the sending of new Japanese troops, thereby averting warfare. Lieutenant Cranford was asked as to the attitude of the United States, and I directed him to say in reply that my Government already had expressed very strongly its hope that no further military movement would be undertaken against Chinese troops, lest such action affect world opinion unfavorably. In the light of my 267, December 16, 9 p.m.,92 the Embassy is inclined to believe the view expressed by the [Page 689] Japanese General Staff that this move is a gesture made with the expectation of inducing Chinese troops to withdraw peaceably.