Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/3798: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, February 1, 1932—4 p.m.
[Received February 1—9:30 a.m.]

171. Legation’s 151, January 29, 8 p.m.²⁵

1. Hanson reports January 31, noon, that local Foreign Office confirmed press reports that Japanese and Chinese troops clashed at Shruanchenpu [Shwangcheng?], 51 kilometers from Harbin.

2. That increasing pressure is being brought to bear by the Soviets to permit Russian railway technical staff to aid in transportation of Japanese troops and that Ohashi informed him that Soviets would agree if Chinese railway officials, who are being pressed by Hsi Chia, Japanese protégé, would do likewise.

3.

“The board of the railway has protested to the headquarters of the railroad’s guard troops against damage being done by other Chinese troops to the railway line and has asked it to take the necessary steps to prevent this. This protest was made evidently to prevent criticism that the railway administration had protested against Japanese activities on the railway only.”

4. Hanson states it is still uncertain whether serious resistance will be offered by Chinese forces to Japanese advance.

For the Minister:

Perkins

25. Not printed.