793.94/3728: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, January 30, 1932—5
p.m.
[Received January 30—8:50 a.m.]
[Received January 30—8:50 a.m.]
157. Following from American Consul General at Nanking:
“January 29, 7 p.m. My January 27, 10 p.m.84
- 1.
- The Japanese Consul called this morning and [gave?] repeated assurances that Japanese vessels would not take initiative in fire action. He stated the Chinese authorities in Nanking are likewise determined to avoid hostilities here. He has withdrawn himself, staff and remaining nationals onto Japanese commercial vessel in the harbor and has publicly announced that this action has been taken to avoid possibility of an incident in Nanking. The city is quiet. News of the hostilities in Shanghai first reached this office through Chinese sources at [on] January 29, 1 a.m.
- 2.
- The Government has appointed T. V. Soong Minister of Finance and Vice President of the Executive Yuan and he has just arrived in Nanking to assume his posts. I have been informed that the Government has created a military council which will include practically all prominent leaders throughout the country. With appointment of Wang and Lo the Government is thus definitely increasing in vigor and stability.
- 3.
- Several American citizens were invited to a conference today and were informed regarding the situation. They agreed that the situation does not call for evacuation at present. Moreover, this would probably be impossible since there is no rail communication with Shanghai. They expressed the general intentions to follow consular advice regarding evacuation.[”]
Johnson