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

893.01 Manchuria/237: Telegram

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

Peiping, June 6, 1932—4 p.m.
[Received June 6—6:40 a.m.]

620. Following from American Consul General at Harbin:

“June 4, 1 p.m.

1. Sugihara, former secretary local Japanese Consulate General, appointed assistant in local office of Commissioner of Foreign Affairs. This office has become branch of Foreign Office at Changchun, and Sugihara, who speaks Russian, holds same position here as Ohashi in Changchun. Ohashi directly and through Sugihara is negotiating with local Soviet Consul General in regard to recognition of Chinese Consulates and Consuls at Blagoveshchensk, Chita and Vladivostok as Manchukuo establishments and officials, and other questions. It appears to be Ohashi’s aim to secure in some form or other Soviet recognition of Manchukuo.

2. Japanese military have definitely stated farthest limits they desire to despatch forces are Fuchin on Sungari and Mutan River[s]. They evidently desire to cooperate with Soviet authorities regarding eliminating undesirable elements near the border.

3. Yesterday eastbound passenger train held up and robbed about 50 miles from Harbin. Ninety-six persons were taken captive, including 6 Russians, who with 30 Chinese were again [later?] released. Train returned to Harbin.

4. Japanese troops inflicted great loss upon Li Hai-ching’s forces near Chaotung.

5. On June 2nd Ling Sheng, son of Mongol Prince Kuei Fu, Fu Tu Tung of Hulun [Hailar?] special area, whose office is abolished, was instituted as Governor of Hsingan north sub-province at Hailar.”

Johnson