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

893.01 Manchuria/457: Telegram

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

Peiping, September 13, 1932—3 p.m.
[Received September 13—7 a.m.]

1087. Following from American Consul General at Harbin:

“September 12, 1 p.m.

1. Early morning, 11th, passenger train bound south for Changchun wrecked and robbed near Hsitun, 62 kilometres from Harbin. Nine Chinese passengers killed, 16 including 10 Russians wounded. Among those carried away captive were Japanese. Henry Villard, American, uninjured, robbed, made his way in safety to Changchun.

2. Later same morning local passenger train east line held up, robbed, near Acheng, 30 kilometres from Harbin, two passengers killed, one wounded. Several score including Russians taken captive.

3. Still later same day passenger train from Changchun derailed, robbed, near Wuchia, some killed, wounded, taken captive. Last evening’s north and south-bound trains not despatched. West line not operating account the [anti-] Manchukuo forces holding Anta. Chaos on east line. In future trains will only be operated daytime.

4. Manchukuo troops incapable guarding railway, Japanese forces apparently too small this purpose, Soviet railway administrators appear indifferent.

5. No water Pristan, level Sungari gradually falling, cholera cases fewer, still many thousands refugees, kidnapping in city still continues. British manager and sub-manager Hong Kong [and] Shanghai Banking Corporation seriously injured while playing golf day before yesterday by four armed Chinese who apparently attempted kidnap former.

6. Consular body will meet this afternoon to discuss situation.”

Johnson