793.94/4278: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Peiping, February 18, 1932—2
p.m.
[Received February 18—1:26 p.m.]
[Received February 18—1:26 p.m.]
242. Following from American Consul General, Nanking:
“February 16, 4 p.m.
- 1.
- Nanking remains quiet but it is the understanding of Chinese Army officers interviewed that the Japanese forces at Shanghai will shortly deliver an ultimatum to the 19th Route Army demanding withdrawal and that the Chinese forces will refuse whereupon severe hostilities will take place for several days including probably operations at Nanking after which Chinese forces will be obliged to retreat from Shanghai.
- 2.
- Chiang Kai-shek came to Nanking February 13, and it is reported on apparently reliable authority that he is engaged in conference today at Puchen, near Pukow, with Wang Ching-wei, Feng Yu-hsiang and other military commanders. It is also reliably reported that requisitions for rolling stock have been made on the Tientsin-Pukow Railway for the conveyance of troops from the north. Numbers of troops involved are estimated at more than 50,000.
- 3.
- There is no [some?] reason to believe that Chang Chih-chung, Director of Central Military Academy, has been appointed commander of 87th Division and of 5th Route Army and that he left for Shanghai area February 15th with the intention of taking over a portion of the lines now held by 19th Route Army if the latter will consent. Troop movements from Nanking to Shanghai are again reported. Military movements and plans are carefully concealed probably with the object of permitting a peaceful revolution if that is possible but I am led to believe that the Government is actively preparing to engage in hostilities with Japan both at Shanghai and Nanking. It is reported here that in the event of such hostilities Feng Yu-hsiang will command all Chinese forces in the Yangtze region and Chiang Kai-shek will take over command of Chang Hsueh-liang’s forces for an offensive in north China and Manchuria.
- 4.
- While these various reports seem reliable I shall endeavor to obtain confirmation.”
For the Minister:
Perkins