793.94/4964: Telegram

The Consul General at Nanking (Peck) to the Secretary of State

76. Chinese military officers in Nanking in conversation have unofficially warned the Consulate General that hostilities may break out again after April 7 the day on which the League Commission passes through Nanking for Peiping. I am reliably informed that General Li Chai-sum, Military Affairs Committee, told Chinese newspaper correspondents today that unless the Japanese withdraw their troops from the occupied areas within 2 weeks China will have no recourse but to fight to the finish. A responsible Chinese civilian official explained to me that the Government has reason to think that the Japanese intend to resume hostilities after the League Commission has proceeded northward. He asserted ardently that the Government will [Page 667] adhere to its announced policy of resisting attack and of refraining from taking the initiative in fighting. Repeated to the American Legation and the American Consulate General at Hankow. Mailed in plain to the American Minister at Shanghai.

Peck