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

893.01 Manchuria/24: Telegram

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

Peiping, March 6, 1932—noon.
[Received March 6—3:40 a.m.]

309. Following from Consul General, Harbin:

“March 5, noon.

1. Japanese troops have detrained at Hailin on eastern line of railway.

2. Li Shao-ken has been appointed president of Chinese Eastern Railway by new government of Manchuria in place of Mo Te-hui.

3. Japanese-controlled press claims that this indicates that the Soviet Government, which evidently approved of this appointment, intends immediately to recognize the new government, but Soviet Consul General states he has received no instructions regarding this question. This press further states independent maritime customs will be established by new state.

4. Mayor Pao has decided to spend local dollars one hundred thousand of municipal funds to celebrate on March 9th, 10th, and 11th inauguration of new state.”

For the Minister:

Perkins