793.94/5525: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 3—5:38 a.m.]
1059. My 1043, August 31, 8 a.m. [p.m.?]4 American Naval Attaché in recent conversation with Colonel Watari (former Japanese Military Attaché to Washington) who has been attached to Japanese [Page 575] assessor with League Commission was told by the latter that the Japanese, except in the event of serious provocation, has [have] no intention of occupying the Peiping-Tientsin area. He stated that he personally disapproved of the night maneuvers of the Japanese Legation guard into Chinese territory and that he has so informed the local guard commander. Colonel Watari stated that he was going to Tokyo in a few days to take up his duties as a member of the General Staff and that he felt sure that he could bring the necessary pressure to bear to stop the maneuvers. He also stated that of all places Peiping was the one where fighting should be avoided.