Office of the Historian

793.94/8663: Telegram

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

Nanking, January 27, 1932—11 p.m.
[Received January 27—1:06 p.m.]

17. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:

January 27, 10 p.m. The Japanese Consul at Nanking states that the Japanese Consul General at Shanghai has demanded from the Chinese authorities a favorable reply to the Japanese demands relating to Shanghai, January 28, midnight, failing receipt of which the Japanese naval authorities will take appropriate measures. My Japanese colleague informs me that he has today assured the Chinese Foreign Office that the Japanese naval vessels at Nanking will not take the initiative in fire action. He is of the opinion that the Chinese will deliver a favorable reply before January 28, midnight. From statements made to me by Chinese officials I share this view and I do not anticipate trouble at Nanking. All Japanese consuls in the [Page 81] Yangtze Valley have orders to be ready to remove to naval vessels on receipt of telegraphic instructions.

Repeated to the Department.

Peck