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

893.01 Manchuria/488: Telegram

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

Peiping, September 21, 1932—1 p.m.
[Received September 21—7:35 a.m.]

1116. Following from American Consul General at Harbin:

“September 19, 1 p.m.

1. Traffic on Taonan-Anganghsi line suspended since yesterday.

2. Huhai line cut in several places by Volunteers’.

3. There are American missionaries at Suihua on Huhai line and at Tsitsihar but at both places are Japanese troops. Japanese Consulate General assured me they are in no danger.

4. On September 16th consular corps suggested civil administrator that local police force be augmented by 600 Europeans to be stationed where foreigners reside. Chinese members police force pay in arrears, unreliable.

5. Evening of 15th large body of [anti-?] Manchukuo forces attacked, besieged and looted Shuangcheng southern line Chinese Eastern Railway. After being bombarded by Japanese artillery at railway station they retired only to return and enter city and [sic] on the 16th. City now in flames. Yesterday morning’s south train arrived late, [from?] Changchun, delay due taking up rails near Yaomin, one car derailed, no casualties, train not attacked.

6. Latest reports indicate quiet conditions Hailar and Manchouli.”

Johnson