793.94/3267: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—7:42 a.m.]
I have read your press statement of December 10, especially the final paragraph, to Dr. Wellington Koo.
[Page 697]Today he sends Hsu Mo to me to say that the Chinese Government is extremely concerned over the Chinchow situation in view of statements which emanate every day from Mukden to indicate preparations by the Japanese for an attack on that city. He points out the reenforcement of Japanese troops at Tientsin and the sending of additional troops to Shanhaikwan, thereby enabling the Japanese to cut off any withdrawal by Chinese forces from Chinchow in the event of a Japanese attack. Koo asks whether there is anything my Government can do to forestall a Japanese attack upon Chinchow.
I have informed Hsu Mo that Koo’s request would be transmitted to the Department. I observed that I could not believe the Japanese would launch an attack upon Chinchow in view of the League Council’s resolution, but he pointed out that in the past the Japanese have sought and found pretexts and now may seek them again. It is stated by Koo that the fear is entertained lest an attack upon Chinchow should disturb very seriously peace and order throughout North China.