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

893.01 Manchuria/523: Telegram

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

Peiping, September 29, 1932—1 p.m.
[Received September 29—7:15 a.m.]

1151. Following from American Consul General at Harbin:

“September 25 [28], 5 p.m.

1. Reported from several reliable sources Chinese garrison at Manchouli revolted yesterday. Railway source reports telegram received this morning stated situation quiet there.

2. Soviet sources state that railway line Chalantun to Manchouli in hands railway guard troops which revolted, raised Kuomintang flag, arrested Japanese residents including Colonel Obara, head of Japanese military mission.

3. Acting Japanese Consul stated that he cannot get in touch with Manchouli Japanese which surrounded by mutineers and that Japanese airplane which arrived Manchouli yesterday immediately took off on account of dangerous situation and disappeared on return trip toward Tsitsihar.⁸²

4. No trains moving western line beyond Tsitsihar. Eastern line broken three places and Chinese railway guards refuse accompany trains into danger zones. John Ganin only American resident Manchouli safe at Harbin.”

Johnson

82. On October 27th the Consul General at Harbin reported that it was believed that this plane made a forced landing near Hailar and that its crew probably were killed by Chinese soldiers (893.01 Manchuria/633).