893.01 Manchuria/418: Telegram

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

1050. Following from American Consul General at Mukden:

“September 1, 5 p.m. Bandit attacks of more serious proportions than those reported in my telegram of August 20, 7 p.m., were made last night on eastern and southern suburbs of Mukden. The arsenal was attacked and fighting in some areas continued for hours. The defense forces were well prepared and are stated to have suffered no casualties. Bandit losses reported considerable. Japanese military spokesman announces that a campaign to clear bandits from Mukden area is now in progress.

Information emanating from an official source states that the Changchun government has formed a treaty commission whose membership includes the Minister and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs which shall conduct negotiations for a treaty with Japan and that the treaty will provide for defensive alliance, cooperation for maintenance of peace and order, and treaty of peace and amity for observance of Open Door.”

Johnson