893.00/11796: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 17—6 a.m.]
238. Following from American Consul General at Mukden:
“February 16, 6 p.m. Today’s press reports state that Hsi Chia from Kirin, and Chang Ching-hui from Harbin, arrived at Mukden yesterday and Ma Chan-shan here today. The long-delayed conference in regard to the denunciations [declaration?] of the new state is scheduled to open on the 17th or 18th and one Japanese press report makes the definite statement that the state will be declared before February 25th.
Apparently this movement is being energetically pushed by interested parties at this time and judging from appearances early developments are to be expected.”