793.94/1795: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan ( Forbes ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 19—2:31 a.m.]
150. Peiping’s 599, September 19th, 2:30 a.m.14 Japanese newspapers today published extras indicating a state of war between Japan and China. The Foreign Office stated to a member of the staff that the facts seem to be a minor clash between Japanese South Manchurian Railway guards and Chinese soldiers growing out of damage to a section of railway track just north of Mukden, which the Japanese Army has since occupied. The Japanese assure us they are determined upon a peaceful settlement of whatever controversy arises.
Under the circumstances I think it would be unwise to cancel voyage home and stay here as such action might be misconstrued so I shall sail on Empress of Japan this afternoon.
Repeated to Peiping.