123 C 353/233: Telegram

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

63. Legation’s 47, January 10, noon. Following from American Consul General at Mukden:

“January 12, 4 p.m. In compliance with the Department’s instruction I called on the Japanese Acting Consul General at 2 today and expressed to him the substance thereof. He expressed his sincere gratitude for the consideration shown and stated that his Government would be promptly notified.

He informed me that Major General Ninomiya, Major Kawashima, Captain Kawamoto and Sergeant Major Abe had been placed in ‘strict disciplinary confinement’ beginning January 10th for 3, 5, 7 and 5 days respectively. The Major General will call on me tomorrow.”

“January 13, noon. Major General Ninomiya, Commander of the Kuantung gendarmes, called upon me at 10 o’clock this morning accompanied by the Consul General, Morishima, and Major Tsuma, Vice Commander of the gendarmes. The General expressed his sincere regrets for the deplorable incident and his appreciation of the conciliatory spirit of the American Government.”

Johnson