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

793.94/5628: Telegram

The Consul General at Tientsin (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State

Tientsin, December 10, 1932—noon.
[Received 3:45 p.m.]

The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:

“December 10, 11 a.m. At 10 o’clock Thursday night⁵⁹ a Japanese armored train was fired upon, allegedly by Chinese troops or volunteers, at or near Shanhaikuan whereupon fire was returned from train which proceeded 2 miles this side of Shanhaikuan and shot up railway water tank after which train returned to Shanhaikuan Station. Train still at station at 8 o’clock this morning. Shanhaikuan quiet yesterday and last night. Understood efforts are being made at Shanhaikuan to settle incident by negotiations between Japanese and Chinese commanders. Reported that shells variously reported from 3 to 30 in number were fired at Shanhaikuan by armored train. Also reported that Japanese demanded that Chinese commander sign statement, that Chinese commander declined to sign statement.⁶⁰

Repeated to Department.”

Lockhart

59. December 8.
60. The Consul General’s telegram of December 12, 11 a.m., reported: “Shanhaikuan incident was amicably adjusted Saturday and Japanese armored train was withdrawn from Shanhaikuan northward beyond the Wall.” (793.94/5638)