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

793.94/3628: Telegram

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

Peiping, January 25, 1932.
[Received January 25—6:25 a.m.]

121. Legation’s 113, January 23, 1 p.m. Following from American Consul General at Harbin:

“January 21, 3 p.m.

1. Advance guard of General Ma’s troops entered Tsitsihar yesterday and General Ma is expected to enter that city tomorrow.

2. Unconfirmed press reports state that General Chang Hai-peng on January 21st at Mukden assumed charge of the guard troops of the Ssu-an Tao-ang Railway, the section of the latter on the side north of Tahsing Station to be guarded by Ma.

3. New Kirin official appointees yesterday took over charge of the Harbin Electric Company and river and Fuchiatien police administrations.

4. General Ting Chao, commanding the 16th Brigade, and other commanders including those of the 22nd and 26th brigade[s] and the Commissioner at Sansing, have pledged their allegiance to Hsi Chia.

5. It can be concluded that Heilungkiang and Kirin Provinces are now under the control of the Japanese Army, acting through Chinese officials selected or tolerated by it.”

Johnson