893.01 Manchuria/15: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 28—12:45 p.m.]
283. Following from American Consul General at Mukden:
“February 27, 4 p.m. Reliably informed Pu Yi will be installed as Provisional Executive of the new state at Changchun on February 29 and that Declaration of Independence from China will be issued at that time and transmitted to foreign governments. For several months. Pu has been under Japanese protection in the leased territory.
A 3 days’ demonstration in support of the formation of the state, organized by the municipal authorities, is being held at Mukden beginning today. Demonstration is taking the form of free theatres, [Page 464] dragon parades, and meetings of representatives of the districts. Printed pamphlets are being widely distributed. No enthusiasm is noticeable.”